New Ulm, MN -- The North Central University (NCU) volleyball team returned to southern Minnesota to take on the Martin Luther College (MLC) Knights this Saturday. Last night, the Rams rolled to a 3-0 win over the Bethany Lutheran Vikings to remain undefeated in conference play. NCU and MLC split games in last year's pair of matchups. Today, Martin Luther gave the North Central a good fight as each set was within a 4-point spread; however, it would be the Rams that walked away victorious with a 3-1 win to extend their win streak to six. 

NCU got off to a good start as they opened with a 7-3 lead. The Knights were able to keep things close until late in the set when costly attack errors gave the Rams free points. Although MLC totaled 14 kills to just 8 by NCU, North Central won the first set 25-21. 

In set two the Rams were led by the outside hitter combo of Sydney Carlson and Erica Tormanen who each had three kills. Hailey Lerfald recorded two solo blocks in the set as the senior continued to control the middle. After trailing the whole set, MLC took the lead at 18-17. However, the Rams responded well as they closed out the set on a 9-3 run to win 25-22. 

In the third set, the teams went back and forth as the largest lead of the set was just three points. Late in the set, freshman Ari Klein caught fire as she rattled off 6 kills to lead all Rams. Unfortunately, it would not be enough as the Knights stayed alive with a 29-27 set win. 

NCU looked to finish business in the fourth set. Sophomore Sydney Carlson took over in what would be the final set, converting with 6 kills to give her a team-high 15 kills on the night. Captain Hailey Lerfald added 2 solo blocks to bring her total to 6 on the evening. Although the Knights led 23-22 late, NCU received a kill and block by Lerfald and then an attack error by MLC to win 25-23 and win the match 3-1.

Looking Ahead:

Up next, the Rams return to DowntownU for a home match next Friday, October 4th against Northland College. NCU will debut its new baby blue Nike uniforms against the Lumberjacks starting at 7:00 PM.

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.