Northfield, MN -- North Central University (NCU) Volleyball traveled to Northfield to take on the Carleton College (CC) Knights in just their second road contest of the season. Coming into tonight's match, the Rams were on fire to start their 2024 campaign as they had yet to even lose a set. Carleton would pose a great test for NCU, as the teams battled it out last season in Clark Danielson Gymnasium, resulting in a 3-2 victory for the Knights. Tonight, North Central struggled to get anything going as Carleton swept the Rams handily three sets to none.
The first set was all Knights as they quickly took a 4-0 lead. NCU was able to battle back to bring it to within three points; however, Carleton caught fire once more and rattled off 9 straight points to blow it open at 18-6. This run was aided by 4 NCU attack errors and 3 service aces from the Knights. The Rams mustered only 8 points and 4 total kills in the first set. CC took set one 25-8.
Hoping to turn things around in the second, NCU led for the first time in the match after a Nana Lopez kill set up by senior Grace Brigson. However, the tide would turn rapidly as Carleton was able to regain the lead and go up 6-2. North Central would be unable to claw their way back as they continued to commit costly errors and gave up 4 additional service aces to the Knights. CC went up 2-0 after winning the second set 25-10.
The third set was much of the same as Carleton was able to jump out to a 12-4 lead. The Rams would rally late in the set, scoring 7 straight points, but it was ultimately too little too late. On the night, NCU gave up 15 service aces to the Knights as they struggled to handle serves. Sophomore Sydney Carlson (6) and junior Nana Lopez (4) led the Rams in kills. Carleton won the third set and the match by a final score of 25-16.
Looking Ahead:
Your Rams will return to DowntownU for a UMAC showdown with Martin Luther College this Saturday, September 14th. That match will begin at 1:00pm!
All fans are encouraged to tune into the official Rams Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (X) pages for updates on Rams Volleyball and all things NCU Athletics.
