ASHLAND, Wis. -- North Central University (NCU) Rams volleyball traveled across the Minnesota-Wisconsin border on Wednesday night to take on the Lumberjills of Northland College (NC) in their sixth Upper Midwest Athletic Conference game of the 2021 spring campaign. In a constant back-and-forth match where the Rams managed to jump out to a two-to-one set lead through the first three sets played, Northland's offense came alive at just the right time and completed the late-game comeback by taking the final two sets (15-25, 25-19, 25-21, 19-25, and 3-15).

Game Recap

The Lumberjills came out on their home floor in the first set with a surge of offense, going on an early 10 to five run. As a result of a few errors by the Northland offense, the Rams managed to close the gap and find themselves within two points halfway through the set. In the latter half of the first, the Rams were unable to get the service back on their side of the net. NC put up an eight-point run that again widened the gap from the blue and gold and allowed them to take the first set 15 to 25.

The second and third sets told a different story, as the Rams managed to come out on top in both instances. After another slow offensive start to the set, North Central got their offense clicking and started to trade leads with Northland. With the score at 11 to 12 in favor of the Lumberjills, the Rams scored 5 straight unanswered points that gave them the lead for the rest of the set. A collective effort from Bria Reiser (Berlin, WI, Berlin High School) and Makayla Krohnberg (Blaine, MN, Blaine High School) gave the NCU offense what it needed by putting up a combined 5 kills late in the set, ultimately resulting in a 25 to 19 point victory.

The third set was controlled by the Rams from the opening rally. Two kills in the first three services by middle blocker Emily DiGiorgio (Ironwood, MI, Luther L. Wright High School) provided North Central with the offensive spark to give them the lead and never give it up. Throughout the set the Lumberjills narrowed the gap by pulling within two points multiple points, but a resilient effort by NCU's backcourt Hallie Fuglestad (Maple Grove, MN, Maple Grove Senior High School) and Hannah Fischer (Kenyon, MN, Kenyon Wanamingo High School) allowed the offense to flourish in the right moments by recording digs at crucial moments. Despte a late suge by Northland down the stretch, NCU clinched the third set 25 to 21.

Looking to close out the match in the fourth set, NCU was unable to do so despite a valiant effort. In a set that showcased several exchanges of the lead, a few more kills notched by Krohnberg fueled the NCU attack and kept them within striking distance through the first half. Northland went on a six-point run late in the set allowed them to take back the lead and win the set 19 to 25.

The final set of the night had Northland taking a commanding lead right away, as they jumped out early with a score of eight to one over the Rams. In a match with several Rams showcasing season-highs, NC cruised away with the victory in the fifth set of the night three to 15.

Key Performers

• Makayla Krohnberg has continued to serve as one of the cornerstone's to Faith Oom's offense. The true freshman led all Rams with 12 kills in addition to 13 assists.
• Sophomore Bria Reiser followed closely behind by tallying 10 assists on a .276 hitting clip.
• Libero Hallie Fuglestad recorded a 23 digs in the contest, her best performance of the 2021 spring slate.

Looking Ahead

After falling to an overall record of 2-8 (0-6 UMAC) NCU volleyball will have their quickest turnaround of the season, as they will get right back into more conference action tomorrow night. The Rams are set to host the Bethany Luthern College Vikings at 7:00 p.m. with hopes of securing their first UMAC win of the season. Due to institutional COVID-19 protocols, a predetermined group of fans will be allowed entrance to contest tomorrow night in Clark-Danielson Gymnasium. Those not on the selected player and coach list are encouraged to tune into the upcoming action at ncurams.com/watch.