MINNEAPOLIS, -- North Central University (NCU) Women's Volleyball team is officially underway into their 2019 season. The Rams hosted the Calvary University Warriors, and Trinity Bible College Lions on Saturday afternoon. Both matches led to the Rams taking victories. The late morning match saw the Rams fighting off the Warriors 3-1, and the afternoon saw the Rams taking a clean sweep of the Lions 3 sets to 0. Both matches were led by multiple Rams from each side of the court, and is a testament to the diversity within this Rams volleyball squad. This very strong showing for the Rams is only the beginning to an extremely exciting year for what the Women's Volleyball Program has in store.

Game 1 Recap:

The first game of the season opener did not disappoint for the Rams, as the game saw the Rams taking the first of two on the day matches 3-1. Highlighted in this match was multiple freshmen making their collegiate debuts. They were able to pick up the speed of the game well, and impact the game in multiple ways. Cydonia Rue was on fire for the Rams in this one. The Hopkins High School product recorded 9 kills for the Rams, and impressed in her collegiate debut. She found herself in a dynamic flow, working extremely well with senior captain Rachel Beckman, who served up 14 assists on the match with 9 of those going to Rue. Hallie Fuglestad was another freshman to impress in her collegiate debut. Starting as libero, Fuglestad took over for the Rams on the defensive side, diving all over the court en route to recording 20 digs on the afternoon.

Key Performers:

• Cydonia Rue led all Rams on the match with 9 kills.
• Hannah Fischer was unstoppable at the service line and recorded 10 aces on the Warriors.
• Rachel Beckman was a key foundation to the offense and assisted on 14 balls.
• Emily DiGiorgio and Andrea Wollman each pick up a block on the match.

Game 2 Recap:

Game two on the day saw the Rams sweeping the Lions 3 sets to 0, which kept their hot start to the season going. Junior, Emily DiGiorgio was dominant for the Rams in this one, recording 11 kills on the match and leading the way for an impressive overall offensive day. In addition to her, Freshman Hallie Fuglestad was as consistent as they come today. Comparable to the first game, she managed another 20 digs. This helped the Rams attack on the offensive side, due to the defense's strong showing on the day.

Key Performers:

• Emily DiGiorgio  led all attackers with 11 kills.
• Rachel Beckman upper her ante from the previous game and recorded 18 assists in this one.
• Hallie Fuglestad starts her collegiate career with 40 combined digs on the day.

Looking Ahead:

The Rams will enjoy their weekend and look forward to hosting the Scots of Macalester College this coming Tuesday, September 3rd. The Rams will be looking to keep their hot start to the season going.

MEDIA: If you need further information, please feel free to contact Mike Knipe at 612-343-3541, or email mjknipe@northcentral.edu.