Minneapolis, MN -- Tonight, the North Central University (NCU) volleyball team hosted a non-conference game against the Carleton College (CC) Knights of the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC). In an electric atmosphere in Clark Danielson Gymnasium, the Rams would get off to a hot start but lose momentum as the night went on. After going up 2-0 on the Knights, NCU would lose three consecutive sets and give up the crushing comeback win to Carleton. 

In the opening set, the Knights would actually lead in kills, but their 15 total errors would prove costly as the Rams would win 25-20. Five different NCU players would record kills in set number one. Set 2 was pretty even on the scoresheet, but two consecutive service aces by defensive anchor Maci Tripp (Waupaca, WI) would seal the deal 26-24 in NCU's favor. Middle Hitter Hailey Lerfald (Wanamingo, MN) would have a monster set with 7 kills. In a must-win set in order to stay alive, Carleton would get the job done with a score of 25-22. The start of the fourth set would be neck and neck. North Central would actually hold the lead at 16-12, before the Knights would go on an 11-2 run to completely turn the tides. They would win the set 25-21 and force a deciding fifth set. Again, the set would go back and forth, tied at 11-11. Unfortunately for the Rams, a pair of crucial attack errors and a few strong kills by CC would solidify the comeback win for the opposition. Captain Hailey Lerfald would lead the team with 17 kills, 3 blocks, and a .654 hitting percentage. Freshman Sydney Carlson (Blaine, MN) filled up the stat sheet with 12 kills, 15 digs, and 5 service aces. The Carleton College Knights would win this one 3-2 in come-from-behind fashion.

Looking Ahead:

The Rams will head to Ashland on Friday for a conference showdown with the Northland College Lumberjills at 7:00 p.m.!

All fans are encouraged to tune into the official Rams Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter pages for updates on Rams Volleyball and all things NCU Athletics.