SUPERIOR, Wis. -- After a postponement of their road matchup with the Northland College (NC) Lumberjills earlier this week, the North Central University (NCU) volleyball team got back into action and continued their road stint. The Rams took on the University of Wisconsin-Superior (UWS) Yellowjackets on Saturday afternoon, who sat at a conference record of 4-2 heading into the contest. In three straight sets, the Rams were unable to come out on top and dropped the conference contest (18 - 25, 10  - 25, 20 - 25).

Game Recap

The Yellowjackets jumped out to an early lead in the first set, creating a hefty spread that forced head coach Faith Ooms to call a timeout and regroup the team. After the break and about halfway through the set, the Rams strung together an impressive run in the latter half of the set that brought them to within six. Despite the effort on the UWS' lead, the Yellowjackets managed to bring home the first set 18 to 25.

In the second set it was again Wisconsin-Superior who got out in front and kept it that was for the duration of the set. The Yellowjacket offense was clicking on all facets of the game, going on multiple runs that forced the Rams to be creative in their defensive alignment. Down the stretch Superior put away the Rams, and the blue and gold looked to bounce-back in what would be their best performance of the night in the third set.

With a battle to finish of a 20 to 25 ending score in the third set, the Rams finally took hold of their first lead of the afternoon at 2 to 1. After multiple trades of the lead thanks to the Rams' offensive getting in gear, the blue and gold led 11 to 10 halfway through. From that point on, the Yellowjackets responded to the Rams' surge and started to keep the service on their side of the net. After a few more attempts and managing to keep the lead down the stretch to within six, the Rams ultimatley fell in the final few points.

Key Performers

• Alannah Easter (Spring Lake Park, MN, Spring Lake Park High School) recorded 14 assists and 6 digs on the afternoon for the Rams.
• Emily DiGiorgio (Ironwood, MI, Luther L. Wright High School) statted 8 kills on a highly efficient .500 hitting percentage.

Looking Ahead

North Central volleyball officially falls to 2-7 overall (0-5 UMAC) on the 2021 spring campaign. Looking ahead to their next matchup, the Rams will look to grab their first conference victory of the season back on their home floor in Clark-Danielson Gymnasium, when they take on the Bethany Lutheran College (BLC) Vikings at 7:00 p.m. Per revised NCU institutional COVID-19 regulations and policy, two fans per player and coach will be admitted to watch the game in-person. Those unable to attend, we encourage you to tune into ncurams.com/watch to enjoy a free live video broadcast of the marquee matchup. Also, look for upcoming game information on official NCU Rams social media (Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook).