[NCAA DIVISION II MEN] Northern Kentucky won its first title with a 3-2 victory over Rollins in the NCAA Division II men's final played in heavy snow Saturday in Louisville, Ky.

The Norse blew a 2-0 halftime lead and needed a goal by freshman Michael Holder, his 15th of the year, to pull ahead in the 65th minute.

“It was a typical Northern Kentucky game,” said Coach John Basalyga. “Give up a couple of goals and figure out a way to score a game-winner. We’ve been doing that all year long.”

Jack Little and Jordan Grant put NKU up 2-0 after 33 minutes, but Rollins responded on goals by Adam New and Jack Clifford.

For Basalyga, a key to his team's season was the disappointment his players felt at being eliminated in the first round in 2009.

“How many people get upset after going 15-6? These kids were upset,” said Basalyga, “They practiced on their own for two weeks before the season started to get them ready for me. It’s a tribute to these kids and what they’ve done.”