Minneapolis, MN -- North Central University (NCU) Volleyball competed on the first day of the Minneapolis Invite Tournament today as they battled the Trinity Bible College (TBC) Lions and the Faith Baptist Bible College (FBBC) Eagles. The Rams were coming off a strong performance on the road against the Lions just a week prior. Freshman outside hitter Sydney Carlson (Blaine, MN) posted some impressive numbers with 30 kills and 4 blocks in the two games. NCU would walk away will two wins, defeating Trinity Bible 3-0 and Faith Baptist 3-1.

Game One Recap:

Set one would go back and forth early, as the game was tied at 9-9. However, the Lions would not be able to hang in long, as the hit power and accuracy from the Rams would prove to be too much. NCU would see similar kill leaders as the last time these teams faced off, as Carlson would have 8, Hailey Lerfald (Wanamingo, MN) with 7, and Lexie Semrau (Bloomington, MN) with 6. Freshman setter Lily McCarty (Spearfish, SD) would have a strong showing as she had 15 of the team's 30 assists. On defense, the Blue and Gold got serious contributions from their captains Jada Lee (St. Paul, MN) and Katie Martin (Champlin, MN) who combined for 25 digs. Playing a sound brand of volleyball, North Central would win the error battle, committing just 10 on the game. Although the third set was closer than they would've liked at 25-20, NCU would easily defeat Trinity Bible in 3 sets. 

Game Two Recap: 

Things would not come as easy for the Blue and Gold in this one. The home team would take set one by a near margin, but the Eagles from Faith Baptist would strike back to win set two. Hitters Hailey Lerfald and Sydney Carlson would be the story in this one as they would combine for a whooping 37 kills, 18 digs, and 6 blocks to lead the way for the Rams. The third set would be decided by just two points as NCU would gut out the win to edge one set closer to sealing the deal. Aided by a late-game surge of Rams fans, the ladies would find their footing and put the Eagles away with a 25-15 set win. Other key performers were setter Grace Brigson (West Salem, WI) who had 32 assists, and Maci Tripp (Waupaca, WI) who had 22 digs and was all over the court defensively for the Rams. 


Looking Ahead:

North Central has a quick turnaround as day two of the Minneapolis Invite resumes tomorrow morning at 10:00am as the Rams take on Calvary Bible. Following the completion of that one, NCU will battle it out with Oak Hills Christian at 12:00pm!

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.