MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- After a long wait and highly anticipated return back to play, the North Central University (NCU) volleyball team hit the hardwood on Saturday afternoon in a non-conference affair with the Knights of Martin Luther College (MLC). In a contest that saw the Rams take the first set of the match, NCU was unable to capitalize on the momentum gained. This allowed the Knights to take the match three sets to one (25-20, 13-25, 20-25, and 15-25).

Game Recap

The Rams came out showcasing a strong and relentless attack against the conference foe. A set that saw very similar total team stats in terms of kills and blocks, the difference that proved fundamental to NCU's success early on was their hitting percentage. The Rams posted a .231 hitting percentage to the Knights' .077, guiding the Rams taking the first set played of the year by a score of 25 to 20. Jaselyn Anderson (Farmington, MN, Christian Life Academy) served as the go-to hitter early on.

Martin Luther came out in the second set with a much more efficient offense and defense. The Knights put up 15 kills and 4 blocks, allowing them to cruise to taking the second set 13 to 25. Through the first half of the third set, the Knights clicked offensively and managed to build a set-high nine point lead. The Rams responded well and clawed their way back by cutting the deficit to four points. Several key attacks by Bria Reiser (Berlin, WI, Berlin High School) and defensive digs by Makayla Krohnberg (Blaine, MN, Blaine High School) and Hallie Fuglestad (Maple Grove, MN, Maple Grove Senior High School) were critical in making this happen. Down the final stretch in the set MLC managed to hold onto the lead, allowing them to take third set.

The Rams found themselves down six early in the fourth set, but battled their way back and cut the Knights' lead down to two. Martin Luther's offense caught fire again, posting seven service aces. This fueled them to closing out the fourth set 15 to 25. The Rams now fall to 0-1 overall (0-0 UMAC) on their 2021 campaign.

Key Performers

• Jaselyn Anderson led the Rams offensively, tallying 10 kills on 16 total attacks. This was good for a game-high .389 hitting percentage.
• True freshman Karlee Martinez (Woodbury, MN, St. Croix Central High School) recorded 12 assists and a match-high seven service aces.
• Bria Reiser chipped in seven kills of her own with three total blocks.
• Hallie Fuglestad led the charge defensively and recorded 19 digs on the afternoon. This was a match-high for both the Rams and Knights.

Looking Ahead

As North Central volleyball looks ahead to the rest of their 2021 spring schedule, they will enjoy a week off during the university's spring break before jumping into conference play. Next Saturday the Rams will compete in their first Upper Midwest Athletic Conference matchup of the season against the University of Northwestern, St. Paul Eagles. First service is slated for 1:00 p.m. Fans are encouraged to stay posted to ncurams.com and all official social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) for any scheduling updates and game information.