Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Assistant Sports Information Director, 630-637-5324

Oct. 11, 2024 - Tying the program's longest winning streak since 2015, the North Central College women's volleyball team never trailed in their 3-0 sweep over Kalamazoo College to earn their seventh straight victory on Friday night inside Gregory Arena.

A kill from Lauren Benson put North Central ahead 8-2 early in the opening set. Kills from Abby Buban and Abranet Layne followed by Aleesa Zebold's ace gave the Cardinals a 12-6 lead. North Central scored 13 of the final 15 points in set one to take a 25-10 victory.

Maddi Barickman's first kill of the night gave the Cardinals a 5-2 edge in the second set. Keeping the momentum on their side, back-to-back kills from Abbi Barickman extended the Cardinals' lead to six, 13-7. After trading points, a kill from Kendal Franklin put North Central five points away from a set two win, 21-13. Bailey Houlihan delivered an ace to clinch a 25-17 win.

Looking for their ninth sweep of the season, Franklin connected for two kills to give the Cardinals a 6-4 advantage. Three aces from Houlihan highlighted an 8-0 rally by North Central. With a 15-9 lead, Benson sparked a 5-0 run to double up the Hornets, 20-10. Najwa Williams served up an ace before securing a 25-11 win in set three.

The Cardinal offense hit .330 on the night while holding Kalamazoo to a .033 hitting percentage over the three sets. A. Barickman was the lone player in the match with double-digit kills (10) as Benson tallied nine. M. Barickman sent out 27 assists. Houlihan recorded a career-high six aces on the night, adding to her 15 digs.

North Central (15-5,  3-1 CCIW) returns to College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin play on Wednesday, hosting the league leader in Illinois Wesleyan University (14-5, 5-0 CCIW). The first serve is set for 7 p.m. inside Gregory Arena.

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