Minneapolis, MINN -- The North Central University (NCU) volleyball team hosted a doubleheader against the Crown College Storm and Macalester College Scots on Saturday evening. Headed into the matchups with a 2-9 overall record, the Rams took on the 0-8 Storm and came away with their first Upper Midwest Athletic Conference victory of the season in sweeping fashion (25-22, 25-21, 25-22). After a small afternoon break, the Rams fell to the Scots in what would be counted as an exhibition contest for North Central (18-25, 16-25, 17-25).
Game 1: Crown College Storm
In the final Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) matchup of the 2021 season, both Crown and North Central went into the contest looking for their first conference win of the season. Both teams battled until the last set ended, but North Central proved their dominance by coming away on top in three straight sets.
A defining characteristic of NCU's effort this afternoon was their defense. Hallie Fuglestad (Maple Grove, MN, Maple Grove Senior High School) with 17 digs, and Hannah Fischer (Kenyon, MN, Kenyon Wanamingo High School) with 13 digs were instrumental in volleying the Rams counter-attack. This allowed for Emily DiGiorgio (Ironwood, MI, Luther L. Wright High School) to have another double-digit kill night with 11 in just three sets. Setters Alannah Easter (Spring Lake Park, MN, Spring Lake Park High School), who had 16 assists, and Karlee Martinez (Woodbury, MN, St. Croix Central High School), who ended three with 15. The Rams' team win tonight was a culmination of everything they learned this season, and they looked to carry this success into their second matchup against Macalester tonight.
Game 2: Macelster College Scots
In tonight's exhibition match against Macalester, the formidable MIAC opponent proved too much for the winded Rams volleyball team. Despite the Rams' best efforts, they could not reach 25 but managed to stay within a single-digit deficit in all three sets. This second game tonight provided a chance for some fresh faces to see the hardwood. Faith Langmade (Elk River, MN, Legacy Christian Academy) made a noticeable impact in the competition, recording five kills, four digs, and one ace, along with Lexi Hunter (Wellsville, PA, Northern High School), who had four kills, two digs, and an ace. Martinez remained the central setter in game twi by coming up with 11 assists. Even though NCU came out with a loss in game two, they gain invaluable experience for the next class of Rams volleyball.
Key Players
- Emily DiGiorgio closed out conference play with 11 kills.
- Hallie Fuglestad was a central component in the Rams' defense, putting up 17 digs on the night.
- Setter, Karlee Martinez recorded 26 assists for NCU.
Looking Forward
After tonight's conclusion of conference play, North Central will have a play in-game on Monday, April 5th at 7:00 p.m, for the chance to face the number 5 seed in the first round of UMAC playoffs on Thursday, April 8th. The Rams and Crown College (CC) Storm will meet once more in the play-in game. Due to institutional COVID-19 protocols, a predetermined group of fans will be allowed entrance to contest Saturday afternoon 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. As the conference concludes, please stay up to date on postseason play on our social media at Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter,
