NORTHFIELD, Minn. - The North Central University Rams Volleyball team was back in action on day two of the St. Olaf & Carleton tournament on saturday. NCU (0-4) fell in two matches today, first to Valley City State University (3-4) in the morning. Then to fellow UMAC competitor Bethany Lutheran College (1-3) in the nightcap.

In the first game of the day, Valley City State jumped out to take the first set 25-12. VCSU, a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletic (NAIA) opponent from North Dakota took the second set of the match by a score of 25-13. The third set proved to be the most tightly contested as a kill from senior Katie Strand (Kenyon, Minn.) and an attacking error by VCSU tied the set late at 16-16. The two teams traded points throughout the remainder set. Two consecutive kills from sophomore Emma Middendorf (Glenwood, Minn.) gave the Rams the lead at 22-21. VCSU rallied for four consecutive points to take the very competitive set 25-22.

Senior Katie Strand paced the Rams offensive attack with seven kills in the match. Freshman Grace Hart (Rockford, IL.) and sophomore Emma Middendorf added four kills a piece. Junior defensive specialist Maddie Stocker (Woodbury, Minn.) recorded 14 digs in the match to anchor the back row for the Rams.

In match two of the day, and the final match for the Rams in the St. Olaf & Carleton tournament the Rams fell in four sets to Bethany Lutheran College. In the first set the two UMAC teams playing in non-conference action, traded points back and forth throughout. A kill from senior Ashley Kelzer (Mayer, Minn.) and an attacking error from BLC gave the Rams a 22-20 lead as BLC took a timeout. Following the timeout NCU picked up right where they left off. A service ace from freshman Grace Haseltine (Forest Lake, Minn.) sealed the first set victory for the Rams 25-21.

NCU would drop the next two sets by scores of 25-18 and 25-4. The fourth set proved to be another tightly contested set. A kill from senior Ashley Kelzer would give the Rams the lead at 23-22, as they were on the verge of forcing a fifth set. A Ram service error and two consecutive kills from BLC senior Rachel Sorenson sealed the match victory for the Vikings.

In match two the Rams attack was led by sophomore Emma Middendorf as she recorded a season high 13 kills. Senior Ashley Kelzer emerged with six kills. Maddie Stocker continued a day of strong defensive showing with 20 digs.

The Rams will be back in action on Friday September 8th and Saturday September 9th as they host the North Central University Invite in Clark Danielson Gym on the campus of North Central University in downtown Minneapolis. Matches will begin on Friday at 1:00 p.m. with the Rams playing in the nightcap against Grinnell College at 6:00 p.m.