SAINT BONIFACIUS, MINNESOTA - The Rams volleyball team opened UMAC play on Friday evening, traveling to take on the Crown College Polars. Entering the night with a 4–3 record, the Rams looked to carry their early-season momentum into conference action. North Central showed improvement offensively throughout the match, but Crown ultimately pulled away to hand the Rams a 0-3 loss (14–25, 14–25, 13–25).
Set 1: 14–25
North Central opened its UMAC schedule on the road looking to establish its attack early. The Rams stayed within reach through the opening portion of the set, which featured four ties and four lead changes. NCU finished the frame with three kills and just three attacking errors, but Crown's 15 kills and .387 hitting percentage allowed the Polars to create separation. The Rams were unable to close the gap down the stretch as Crown claimed the opener, 25–14.
Set 2: 14–25
The Rams continued to battle in the second set, with sophomore setter Tatum Olson and sophomore setter Abby Rhoades directing the North Central attack. NCU doubled its kill total from the opening frame with six, but eight attacking errors made it difficult to sustain scoring runs. The Rams' defense helped slow Crown's attack to a .083 hitting percentage, its lowest mark of the match, but North Central could not capitalize offensively as the Polars took the second set, 25–14.
Set 3: 13–25
North Central produced its strongest offensive set of the night in the third, recording 10 kills after totaling nine across the first two frames. Junior setter/right-side Gabbie Ruzek helped lead the Rams' attack and finished the match with a team-high six kills, while Rhoades contributed four kills of her own. Sophomore libero Maia Scheffler also provided a spark from the service line, finishing the night with a team-high two aces. Despite the improved attack, Crown hit .440 in the final frame and pulled away to close the match, 25–13.
HIGHLIGHTS
North Central finished with 19 kills, 18 assists, four service aces, two solo blocks and 32 digs. NCU showed improvement as the match progressed, increasing from three kills in the first set to six in the second and 10 in the third.
UP NEXT
The Rams will play at Ericksen Center Gynasium next, to take on Northwestern. That is Tuesday, September 22nd at 7:00 PM.
