MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- North Central University (NCU) volleyball was back in action on Thursday night for their second UMAC contest of the year against the College of St. Scholastica (CSS) Saints. The Rams showed a strong defensive showing at the net, tallying six blocks in comparison to the Saints' one, but it was not enough as NCU ultimately fell in three sets to the conference powerhouse (10-25, 20-25, 12-25).

The Rams opened up the game looking to slow down the Saints attack early on. Through the first half of the beginning set, the Rams found themselves down and attempting to get back on the offensive attack. North Central managed a slight surge towards the end of the set, but the Saints took the set 10 to 25 without giving the Rams a chance to get back into it.

The second set is where NCU shined in their offensive attacks the most, through the first few services, the Rams jumped out to an early 4 to 3 lead from back-to-back emphatic kills by Bria Reiser (Berlin, WI, Berlin High School) and Jaselyn Anderson (Farmington, MN, Christian Life Academy). After the early lead, the Saints quickly got back out in front and led the rest of the set with the Rams following closely behind the entire way. Hannah Fischer (Kenyon, MN, Kenyon Wanamingo High School) was instrumental in allowing North Central to battle with Scholastica, as the junior outside hitter recorded a total of 16 digs on the afternoon in the back row, many of which came during the second set. Down the stretch the Saints refused to let the Rams back into the game, narrowly taking the second set by a score of 20 to 25.

The third set showed the Rams battling with the Saints point-for-point until about halfway through. With the score at seven to 10 in favor of the Saints, CSS went on an eight-point run that provided the cushion they needed to ultimately walk away with the victory down the stretch. A couple of key attacks by middle blocker Emily DiGiorgio (Ironwood, MI, Luther L. Wright High School) would take place at the net, but it was not enough to come back from the Saints' offensive surge that took place.

Key Performers

• Hannah Fischer led the Rams defensively, ending the night with 16 digs.
• Emily DiGiorgio saw her first volleyball action of the year in the contest, but still managed to lead the Rams offensively by posting 6 kills.
• Alannah Easter (Spring Lake Park, MN, Spring Lake Park High School) tallied 9 total assists through the three sets played.

Looking Ahead

The Rams now fall to 0-3 (0-2 UMAC) on the 2021 slate, but will be in search of their first win of the year in their next matchup. NCU volleyball will enjoy the weekend off and prepare for another home contest on Monday as they take on the Crown College Storm in a conference showdown in Minneapolis. As a continued reminder, no fans will be allowed to be in attendance in Clark-Danielson Gymnasium due to institutional COVID-19 protocols. Fans are encouraged to tune in to the game by watching the live video broadcast at ncurams.com/watch while staying up-to-date with game information located on official NCU Rams social media.