MINNEAPOLIS – In their first home match in almost three weeks, and with the noise of a large Homecoming crowd behind them, North Central volleyball won two matches Friday night. The Rams swept Mount Mary University (25-13, 25-20, 25-18) and battled Finlandia University to a five-set win (25-17, 25-17, 23-25, 19-25, 15-9) in the evening triangular at Clark-Danielson Gymnasium.

The matinee against Mt. Mary (3-13) saw North Central (7-12) utilize five different hitters and a tough serving game to defeat the Blue Angels. All three sets were similar in structure, with both teams battling early but NCU taking control in the latter half of each frame. Anna Larson (Lakeville, Minn./Robert Morris) led the Rams with 9 kills (.286) and 12 digs – both match highs. Katie Strand (Kenyon, Minn./Kenyon-Wanamingo) added eight kills on a blistering .467 attack percentage, and tallied three of the team's seven service aces.

The nightcap match against Finlandia (9-17) looked like it might be a similar story, with North Central (8-12) cruising to a 25-17 win in both of the first two sets. However, the Lions battled back to take the next two sets and force and fifth and deciding frame. NCU was forced into a unique rotation after losing a player to injury in set four, but the Rams fired on all cylinders to close out the match, hitting .333 in the final set compared to the Lions .050. North Central also had one of its best defensive performances of the season, recording 68 team digs with four different players in double-digits. Larson contributed a career-best performance to lead the Rams, pounding 16 kills (.265) to go along with 20 digs. Ashley Kelzer (Mayer, Minn./Watertown-Mayer) pitched in 13 kills, while Strand added another three service aces and Elissa Pheneger (Roseville, Minn./Concordia Academy) recorded 49 assists – just three shy of her career record.

North Central (9-12) will head to Ashland, Wisc. on Tuesday night to take on Upper Midwest Athletic Conference opponent Northland College (4-19). The Rams and Lumberjills faced off almost exactly one month ago when NCU hosted the UMAC preview tournament, with North Central prevailing in a very tightly-contest five-set match. The Rams return home for three weekend matches, which will include a Parents' Day and Senior Day celebration.