Box Score MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- Opening up the homecoming weekend, the North Central University (NCU) volleyball team made a statement in their first Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) game of the season. The Rams played against Crown College (CC) with an 11 am start. The Storm didn't stand a chance against the superior NCU team, losing in three quick sets (25-16, 25-12, 25-13).

Game Recap

The Rams were absolutely dominant from start to finish, never wavering in intensity and skill. The energy from NCU on the court fueled the home crowd which gave all of the momentum to the Rams. The first set had a couple of long volleys to start, but once NCU got into their rhythm, it was a pretty quick game. Emily DiGiorgio (Ironwood, MI, Luther L. Wright High School) showed no mercy at the net as she hit one unreturnable ball after another. DiGiorgio led both teams with nine kills. Morgan Delange (Corsica, SD, Corsica-Stickney High School) and Hailey Lerfald (Wanamingo, MN, Kenyon-Wanamingo High School) both had eight of their own kills and had superb hitting percentages, .538 and .500 respectively. Collectively, the Rams had a .317 hitting percentage demonstrating their consistent and accurate offense.

CC was utterly helpless trying to counter any of the Rams' attacks or receive their serves. NCU had 14 total service aces. Makayla Krohnberg (Blaine, MN, Blaine High School) was a big asset in this category adding in five of her own. In contrast, Hannah Fischer (Kenyon, MN, Kenyon Wanamingo High School) gave NCU the defense that was sorely missing from CC with 12 digs. Grace Brigson (West Salem, WI, West Salem High School) brought it all together with 30 well-placed assists. The Rams crushed any ounce of hope the Storm had after the first set by demolishing them in the second and third sets by 12 or more points. Delange gave the final blow in the third set with a perfect ball right in the middle of all the CC's players. NCU could not have started out their conference play any better as showed in today's powerful display.

Key Performers

• Senior Emily DiGiorgio had nine kills, two block assists, and three digs for the Rams.
• Along with eight kills, freshman Hailey Lerfald shut down many attacks from the Storm with three block assists, and one block of her own.
• Makayla Krohnberg was all over the court today with five kills, five aces, six digs, and one block assist. 

Looking Ahead

NCU has just about a week to celebrate their undefeated started in conference play. The Rams will take on UMAC opponent, the University of Minnesota Morris, this Friday at 7 pm at home. All fans are encouraged to follow official Rams Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter pages for updates on the volleyball team and much more information.