BELOIT, Wis - North Central University opened their season Friday night with a solid showing, going 1-1 on the night and setting a competitive tone to the season. In the opening match senior setter, Bekah Parker, led the Rams with 19 assists and 10 digs, while freshman Hannah Fischer made an immediate impact for the Rams in her first game by recording a match-best seven kills. Senior libero, Maddie Stocker, recorded a team-best 16 digs. The Rams would rebound in the second match of the night with a dominant performance against Rockford Univeristy, taking the match in three sets and leaving little doubt that this Rams team is taking a major leap forward from last season.

 Match Vitals

• Rams players were extremely competitive in their first match of the season as they held the lead multiple times late into sets.

• North Central showed their increased depth this season as they saw action from nine different players.

• Freshman Hannah Fischer started her Ram career off with a solid performance in the first match of her career recording seven kills and ten digs.

 Match Recap

• North Central led the first set late in the match with a score of 19-17 before Beloit College went on a run to close out the set. During the second set, North Central would fall behind early 2-11 before mounting a run of their own, eventually tying the score at 20-20 on a block from Jaselyn Anderson and Emily DiGiorgio. The score would eventually tilt in Beloit's favor, 23-25. During the third set, Coach Ooms team continued to battle hard, taking a 5-1 lead early that was capped by returning UMAC all-conference performer Emma Middendorf's huge kill. The hot start would not last though the Rams would eventually fall in their final set by a final score of 17-24.

• The Rams proved to be too much for Rockford to handle as they put on a show in a 3-0 match victory. The first set would prove to be the closest of the night as the Rams took control with a 25-19 victory. It was all downhill after that as the Rams found their rhythm and proceeded to quickly finish off the next two sets with scores of 25-20 and 25-16. Multiple Rams players stood out in the match and contributed to the first win of the year for Coach Faith Ooms.

 Key Performers

• Hannah Fischer - 7 kills, 10 digs (Beloit match)

• Bekah Parker - 19 assists, 10 digs (Beloit match)

• Maddie Stocker - 16 digs (Beloit match)

 Next Up

• The Rams look to build on day one of competition tomorrow as they take on Olivet (11:00AM) and Alma (3:00PM).