Ankeny, IA -- North Central University (NCU) Volleyball set out for Iowa for the annual Faith Baptist Volleyball Classic hosted by Faith Baptist Bible College. NCU dominated in last season's tournament, going 4-0 and winning by a total of 12-2 in sets. Today, the Rams kicked off the two-day event against a familiar foe, the Crown College (CC) Polars. Last season, NCU defeated Crown in both meetings. Today, the Rams came out fast, claimed the first two sets, and after a minor stumble in the third, closed the match convincingly in the fourth. With the win, NCU improves to 4-3 on the season.

Set 1: 25-22 | Set 2: 25-19 | Set 3: 17-25 | Set 4: 25-11

NCU wasted no time setting the tone, jumping out with aggressive swings and steady serving. Gabbie Ruzek and Maggie Kohl combined for nine kills in the opener, and Lexie Semrau added timely attacks to keep the Rams in control. Tatum Olson distributed the ball effectively, giving Crown little chance to key on a single hitter. After multiple lead changes early, NCU pulled away late to secure the frame 25-22. 

The Rams continued their momentum in the second set, cleaning up their errors while maintaining balance offensively. The attack efficiency rose to .244, highlighted by sharp swings from Kohl on the outside and steady middle play from Semrau. Olson's setting rhythm kept the defense off balance, while Maci Tripp and Abby Rhoades both came up with critical digs to extend rallies. NCU closed strong to win 25-19 and take a two-set lead.

Crown managed to extend the match in the third frame as NCU's attack briefly cooled. A higher number of errors and missed serves allowed the opposition to grab control. Despite key defensive efforts from Tripp and Allina Mendoza, and a late push from Ruzek at the net, the Rams were unable to complete the comeback.

Responding with energy, the Rams left no doubt in the fourth set. NCU hit .209 in the frame while holding Crown to a negative percentage. Semrau and Ruzek powered the offense early, while Kohl delivered several emphatic kills down the stretch. On the defensive end, Tripp's digs fueled transition scoring, and the front line combined for timely blocks to stifle any comeback attempts. The Rams finished the match in dominant fashion, winning 25-11 to close out the match 3-1. 

Looking Ahead:

Up next, the Rams return to the Nettleton Courts for day two of the Faith Baptist Volleyball Classic tomorrow. They will face Maranatha Baptist University at 11:00 AM followed by a showdown with the tournament hosts, Faith Baptist Bible College, at 4:00 PM. 

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