MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - It was only fitting that on the last match of the year, NCU Rams seniors would lead the way in dominant fashion, helping secure a 3-0 win over Mount Mary. With the win, the Rams finished an up and down season on a positive note, securing a seven win season. The team showed tremendous growth from a season before when the Rams were limited to only two total wins. The Rams will miss senior leadership and play from Emma Middendorf, Maddie Stocker, Bekah Parker, and Liz Norman. Prior to the match, Head Coach Faith Ooms, had this to say regarding her seniors: "We will deeply miss these seniors and their fun-loving spirit. They provided a great foundation for the team and leave North Central with many accomplishments."

Match Vitals:

• The Rams dominated almost every statistical line as they led in kills, digs, assists, blocks, and serving aces.
• Senior Emma Middendorf broke her previous single match record of 17 kills with a 19 kill performance in her final collegiate match.
• Senior Bekah Parker broke the NCU single match record of assists with 36 total assists on the day in her final collegiate match.

Match Recap:

• In one of the most impressive showings of the year, North Central found themselves in complete control from the very beginning. The Rams doubled the total of Mount Mary in kills and assists while holding an advantage in every other major statistical category. On the night, the biggest headlines came from the NCU seniors. Senior Emma Middendorf was dominant up front leading all players with 19 kills (only two less than Mount Mary had as a team). Bekah Parker spent most of the day setting up Middendorf and other players as she gained 36 assists for the Rams on the day. Defensively, the Rams were led by senior Maddie Stocker as she accumulated 20 total digs on the day. In all, the three set match was quite the showing. The Rams finished the three set match with 25-17, 25-13, and 26-24 set victories. 

Key Performers:

• Emma Middendorf - 19 kills, .516 hitting percentage, two serving aces, three digs, and two blocks.
• Bekah Parker - 36 assists, five serving aces, five digs, and one kill.
• Maddie Stocker - 20 digs, one serving ace, and one kill.

Season Recap:
The Rams finish the season with a record of 7-24 and 1-15 conference record. Highlights on the season included upsets of Providence College and handing Head Coach Faith Ooms her first conference win. Senior Maddie Stocker was awarded UMAC defensive player of the week following a great showing at the North Central University Invitational. The Rams finished the season on a high note after thumping Mount Mary in a three set victory. Season statistical leaders include:

• Kills: Emma Middendorf (237 total kills)
• Digs: Maddie Stocker (512 total digs)
• Assists: Bekah Parker (442 total assists)
• Blocks: Emma Middendof (71 total blocks)
• Serving Aces: Rachel Beckman (53 total aces

In addition to the senior leaders of this team, the Rams received major contributions from newcomers Emily DiGiorgio, Hannah Fischer, Jaselyn Anderson, Taylor Tody and Alice Cato as all were in the top five of one or more statistical categories for the team. The Rams will return to play next season with a great foundation of players for Coach Ooms to continue building the program.

MEDIA: For further information, please contact Justin Brown at 612-343-3539 or email jdbrown@northcentral.edu.