Box Score MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- The North Central University (NCU) volleyball team took the hardwood on Monday night in a non-conference affair with the Crown College (CC) Storm. In a matchup that showed Alannah Easter (Spring Lake Park, MN, Spring Lake Park High School) tally a total of 41 assists, NCU came away with their first win of the 2021 season in a three to one set victory over CC (25-21, 26-24, 25-21, and 25-19)

Game Recap

North Central and Crown came out and immediately started trading leads back-and-forth. About halfway through the set, NCU found their rhythm offensively and built a slight lead over the Storm which was enough to power them through. The set accumulated a total of 11 tie scores and four lead changes, but down the stretch the Rams held on to come away with their second set of the season 25 to 21.

The Rams found themselves in a battle in the second set. Despite a collective .242 hitting percentage from North Central, Crown managed to take the set that led the extra points. The Storm outpaced the Rams in total kills 15 to 11, but NCU limited the attacking and receiving errors to make it a close set the entire way. 

The third set showcased one of the best offensive performances from the Rams yet this season. Accumulating a single-set- season-high 13 kills, the Rams managed to take the set in similar fashion to the first set 25 to 21.

NCU took control of the fourth set immediately, grabbing the lead from the first service and never letting the Storm back into the match. The Rams grew their biggest lead of the entire game while also never giving it up. After several deep rallies that ended in the blue and gold's favor, North Central walked away with the victory with a final set score of 25 to 19.

Key Performers

• Alannah Easter was instrumental to the Rams' offensive attack. The setter put up a career-high 41 assists and was fed the ball continuously the entire night by the back row.
• Bria Reiser (Berlin, WI, Berlin High School) had herself a career night as well, recording 13 kills on a career-high .238 hitting percentage.
• Makayla Krohnberg (Blaine, MN, Blaine High School) once again led the defensive side for the blue and gold. The true freshman tallied 20 digs in addition to a couple service aces.

Looking Ahead

NCU volleyball now improves to an overall record of 1-3 on the 2021 slate after earning their first win against the Storm. As the Rams look ahead to their next opponent, North Central will look to keep the momentum going as they get back into conference play against the Martin Luther College Knights this Wednesday. First service is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Fans are encouraged to stay posted to official NCU Rams Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for live video and statistic information on the upcoming game.