MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - The Rams picked up their first conference win of the season while riding the hot hands of a senior trio consisting of Emma Middendorf, Maddie Stocker, and Rachel Beckman. After a tough loss, 10-25, in the first set of the match to Northland, the Rams rebounded in a fabulous way. Each set was progressively better as the Rams would go on to rattle off three straight set wins and a huge conference win at home Saturday afternoon. The Rams will look to continue their solid play against Martin Luther College later today (6PM) at the Clark-Danielson Gymnasium.

Match Vitals:

• Head Coach Faith Ooms picked up her first conference win with the Rams. Already this season, the Rams have doubled their match victory total from her first season at the helm.

• The Rams continue to get strong play from their seniors as all major statistical categories were led by a senior against Northland.

Match Recaps:

• The Rams came out extremely slow in the first set, losing 10-25. The Rams were plagued by errors in the first set (12 total). After the set, Ooms regrouped the Rams and had them ready for their second set. North Central would end up winning a tight set 25-22, led by the play of senior Emma Middendorf (12 kills and 2 blocks). The Rams exerted their control on the match in the final two sets, defeating Northland 25-18 and 25-14. The strong front line of Middendorf, Emily DiGiorgio, and Alice Cato were almost impenetrable the remaining two sets, while seniors Stocker and Beckman provided great passing and back row defense.

Key Performers:

• Emma Middendorf - 12 kills, 2 blocks, 1 dig.

• Maddie Stocker - 23 digs, 6 service aces, 2 assists

• Rachel Beckman - 17 assists, 10 digs, 7 service aces, 1 block

Next Up:

The Rams are back in action later today versus Martin Luther College (6PM) in the second match of a three-team UMAC triangular.

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