MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- The North Central University (NCU) volleyball team found themselves in a dogfight against cross-town rival, University of Northwestern - St. Paul (UNW), in a match that showed both teams grit. Although the Rams would fall by a final match score of 3-0, they continue to show the vast improvement that has pulsated throughout the entire season. North Central fans were treated to some spectacular rallies and incredible gamesmanship as the Rams gave it all they had.

Game Recap

Perennial Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) powerhouse, UNW, came into Clark-Danielson gymnasium with a chip on their shoulder after suffering a three-set defeat to 19th ranked St. Thomas on Friday night. As the Rams found multiple opportunities to attack, it seemed that momentum was hard to carry against the hard-hitting Eagles. North Central would fall 25-15 in the first set when a late rally carried UNW through. In perhaps the most competitive set of the night, the Rams came out swinging in the second, finding themselves up 14-13 halfway through the set. Kalley and Sydney Schwitters would ultimately put a stop to the momentum as the UNW would go on to win the set 25-17. NCU would find themselves in similar waters in the third and final set of the night, when they trailed by only two points halfway through, ultimately falling 25-14 despite their best efforts.

North Central University head coach Faith Ooms stated, "We really came into the match unafraid and competed from the very beginning. I was really proud of how we weren't afraid to fight and it showed by the starts that we had in each set. Coming into the match, we had a couple of focal points for our attacks, and overall, we did a pretty good job of executing those. Emily DiGiorgio had a nice night hitting from the middle and our back row attacks were once again strong. Unfortunately, we didn't quite have enough to finish off each set. This team continues to get better though and we will look to improve going forward."

Key Performer(s):

• Emily DiGiorgio would lead the Rams offensively with eight kills and a .438 hitting percentage.
• Rachel Beckman added a solid all-around effort with 10 assists, eight digs, and four kills on the evening.

Looking Ahead

The Rams still find themselves sitting with a .500 winning percentage (9-9) headed into the remainder of their conference schedule. Back in action at home on Wednesday night, the Rams will look to defeat conference foe Martin Luther in a much needed win to stay in the thick of playoff contention. Martin Luther currently sits seventh in the conference, just behind North Central University. A win for the Rams on Wednesday would potentially move them into a tie for fifth place with Bethany Lutheran. Live game action will start at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 16th.