NORTHFIELD, Minn. - The 2017 North Central University Rams Volleyball team kicked off the season on day one of the St. Olaf & Carleton tournament. NCU (0-2) fell in the first match of the day vs. host St. Olaf College (2-0) in three sets by scores of 25-10, 25-12, and 25-8. In match two of the day, NCU dropped three sets to Hamline University (2-0) by scores of 25-13, 25-10, 25-12.

NCU fell behind early to St.Olaf as an 11-1 run for St. Olaf in the first set created the momentum that became diffcult to overcome. Senior, Katie Strand (Kenyon, Minn.) led the way for the Rams with three kills in the match to go along with one block. Bekah Johnson (Burnsville, Minn.) distributed 10 assists in the match to pace the Rams offensive attack. In the back row, sophomore Bethany Wollman (Freeman, S.D.) recorded five digs, alongside five digs from junior Elizabeth Norman (Lakeville, Minn.) against a very formidable St. Olaf offensive attack. 

In the second match of the day, the Rams jumped out to an early narrow 3-0 lead as freshman Grace Hart (Rockford, IL.) recorded a kill after two attacking errors from Hamline. The two teams continued to trade points throughout the first set before Hamline went on a brief run to grab the first set by a score of 25-13. Hamline would go on to take the next two sets by scores of 25-10 and 25-12 respectively. The Rams were paced by a well rounded offense as eight players recorded kills in the match. Strand, Wollman, and sophomore Emma Middendorf (Glenwood, Minn.) led the way as they each recorded three kills. 

The Rams will be back in action tomorrow for day two of the St. Olaf & Carleton tournament beginning at 9:00 a.m. vs Valley City St. After a brief layover the Rams will take on fellow UMAC competitor Bethany Lutheran in a non-conference contest at 3:00 p.m. Live stream links will be made available on the NCUrams.com website.