BELOIT, Wis - Freshman Hannah Fischer was named to the Buc Blast All-Tournament team in her first action as a Ram while helping lead the team to a 1-3 record over the weekend. Fischer finished the tournament with an impressive showing that included a large number of kills and posting double-digit digs in multiple games. Despite Fischer and her teammates' excellent effort, it was not enough in the first match of the day. NCU fought hard but was unable to sustain momentum from the previous night as they fell to Olivet three games to none. In the final match of the tournament, Alma proved to be too much for the young Rams squad as they defeated the Rams in three consecutive sets. Although the day was tough for the Rams, it was also another big stepping stone in a very early season challenge. The Rams look to improve on the weekend during the week ahead which includes a home match versus Macalester and the NCU Invitational.

Match Vitals

• Seniors Maddie Stocker (20 digs on day) and Bekah Parker (28 assists on day) continued to provide strong tournament efforts to lead the Rams on day two of the Buc Blast Tournament.

• Hannah Fischer was the only freshman to be named to the all-tournament team this weekend.

• In all, 10 different Rams players saw action on the day.

Match Recaps

• In match one, the Rams saw an excellent effort fall short against a very tough Olivet team. North Central head coach Faith Ooms provided the following statement, "We had strong serves and a drive to improve every set. Props to Olivet for their consistent play and defensive strategy." The Rams were led in match one by junior Emma Middendorf who recorded a team high 6 kills. Maddie Stocker continued to impress with 13 digs to lead the Rams defensively. The Rams Parker had another solid effort with 19 assists. In total, 10 Rams saw the court in the 3-0 losing effort.

• The final match of the tournament proved to be too much for the Rams as a very strong Alma team won in three sets. The Rams struggled to contain Alma's Haley Novak and never quite found their rhythm in the match. Although the Rams dropped the match to Alma, they continued to show an increasing chemistry and camaraderie that will serve them well throughout the rest of the season. 

Key Performers (Day two)

• Maddie Stocker - 20 digs

• Emma Middendorf - 9 kills

• Bekah Parker - 28 assists

Next Up

The Rams return to action on Wednesday, September 5th with their first home match of the season against MIAC conference rival Macalester at 7:00PM in the Clark-Danielson Gymnasium.