MINNEAPOLIS, -- Concluding an action-packed Homecoming 2019 weekend for the North Central University (NCU) athletics department was the volleyball team, who played host to the Trinity Bible College Lions on Saturday afternoon. In a match that lasted just over an hour in front of a packed house in Clark-Danielson Gymnasium, the Rams found no trouble taking down the Lions in a sweep of 3 straight sets. (25-23, 25-18, 25-19)

Game Recap

The Rams volleyball squad put on a show for the students, staff, family, and the alumni who made it out to the match. Although the match was a clean sweep in the Rams' favor, the Lions came out of the gate with a vengeance to take an early 5-0 lead in the first set, which forced Head Coach Faith Ooms to take a timeout to regather. From this point on, however, the Rams were stellar in all capacities of the match and never looked back. With solid defensive play leading to massive success on the Rams' offensive attack, the Lions were unable to find answers anywhere. This lead to the Rams dominating the Lions in every statistical category on the afternoon, highlighted by 60 to 27 points, 40 to 18 kills, 39 to 16 assists, and 54 to 44 digs. With these incredible team-highs, multiple girls found success in the match to fill up every corner of the stat sheet for NCU.

Key Performer(s):

• Emily DiGiorgio was lethal along the net for the Rams today. The Middle Blocker out of Ironwood, MI generated 12 kills on a .333 hitting percentage to go along with 4 crucial solo blocks.
• Cydonia Rue was astounding in her offensive and defensive reliability. Rue matched DiGiorgio in kills with 12 on the afternoon, and even managed to chip in 12 digs as well.
• Rachel Beckman assisted on 21 balls in the match's only 3 sets.

Coaches Corner Q&A

Q: "With the rest of your 2019 schedule involving crucial UMAC play, what is your reflection on being over .500 at this point in the season and your expectations moving forward for the team?

A: "My expectations moving forward into conference play starts with trust. I am so proud of my girls' attitude, chemistry, and determination this year. All of their hard work has earned them this plus .500 season so far, but we need to continue moving forward. That trust that we worked so hard to build at the beginning of the year, we need lean on more than ever with some tough matches ahead. All for Him!"

-Head Coach Faith Ooms

Looking Ahead

After improving to a record of 8-7 on the 2019 season, the Rams volleyball squad is now set to head into vital UMAC play in the upcoming weeks. With the team now on a 3-match winning streak, they will look to continue their well-deserved momentum. After playing at home for the past two matches, the NCU volleyball team will take their talents to St. Bonaficus, MN where they will find their first UMAC matchup of the season against the Crown College Storm. Fans are encouraged to stay posted on the Rams social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram) for all media coverage of the match that will include live video and statistics.