MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- The North Central University (NCU) volleyball team defended their home court against Bethany Lutheran College (BLC). The Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) game was a close one, most of the sets going over the normal 25 points. In the end, the Rams prevailed over the Vikings, three sets to one (27-25, 18-25, 26-24, 27-25).

Game Recap

After a week of rest, the Rams were gearing to go on this Friday night. Hosting the Vikings for the first time this season, NCU strategized and came ready to face off against BLC from the opening serve. It was an exciting game through all four sets, the score never going far from a couple of points of difference. Both teams had very similar stats throughout the night. However, the Rams overpowered the Vikings on the defensive end, in returning hits and blocking them. Three of NCU's players were in double digits in digs, led by Hannah Fischer (Kenyon, MN, Kenyon Wanamingo High School) with 15, followed by Makayla Krohnberg (Blaine, MN, Blaine High School) with 12, and Grace Brigson (West Salem, WI, West Salem High School) with 11. The Rams had ten total blocks, frustrating a few of the Viking's hitters.

After both teams had won a set, the atmosphere in the gym increased in anticipation and excitement to see which team would come out on top. With the Ram's defense flowing nicely, the offense naturally followed. Emily DiGiorgio (Ironwood, MI, Luther L. Wright High School) led from the net with 14 kills and an outstanding .370 hitting percentage. Morgan Delange (Corsica, SD, Corsica-Stickney High School) added 12 kills along with Hailey Lerfald (Wanamingo, MN, Kenyon-Wanamingo High School) with 11. The nail bitter of a third set was given to Rams and the fourth set just kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. The score went back and forth between NCU and BLC. As the score was tied at 25, a BLC player made a an error at the net off of NCU's serve. And the game point was slammed down by senior Jaselyn Anderson (Farmington, MN, Christian Life Academy), giving the triumph to the Rams. With this win over the Vikings, NCU evens out to 2-2 in conference play.

Key Performers

• Emily DiGiorgio had 14 kills and two block assists.
• Grace Brigson was busy helping the attack with 43 assists.
• Freshman Hailey Lerfald had an excellent .391 hitting percentage to generate 11 kills.

Looking Ahead

The Rams are eager to get some rest as they head back on the court tomorrow at 1 pm. NCU will take on UMAC opponent, Martin Luther College. All fans are encouraged to tune into official Rams Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter pages for more information on the volleyball team and more important information.