Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Director of Athletics Communication, 630-637-5324
Oct. 31, 2026 - Honoring the senior class before its match against the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, the North Central College women's volleyball team fell to the Falcons in a three-set contest Saturday inside Gregory Arena.
An ace from Lauren Benson and a block by Kylie Hanson and Giada Scrementi brought the Cardinals within a point early in the first set, 6-5. The teams traded points until a 6-0 run by the Falcons gave the visitors a 17-9 lead. Hanson recorded a kill before another Benson ace kept North Central within reach, 18-12. A 7-2 rally by the Cardinals, highlighted by aces from seniors Abby Buban and Katie Godo, brought the hosts within three, but UW-River Falls secured a 25-21 win in the opening set.
The Falcons jumped out to an 11-5 advantage before a kill by Buban halted the run. A kill from Benson sparked a 6-2 run for North Central, bringing the Cardinals within two, 15-13. UW-River Falls answered with a 10-2 run to close out a 25-15 victory in the second set.
Kills from Ava Hoff and Sarah Harvey put the Cardinals ahead 6-3 early in the third set. Benson and Buban added key kills to keep North Central in front, 9-6. Another ace from Godo, followed by kills from Hoff and Benson, kept the Cardinals stride for stride with UW-River Falls. Neither team led by more than three points throughout the set as a three-point swing put the hosts ahead, 18-16. The Falcons responded with a 3-0 run before back-to-back kills from Hoff gave North Central a 21-20 advantage. UW-River Falls scored the final three points of the match to claim a 25-23 victory and complete the sweep.
Hoff led the Cardinals with eight kills, while Demi Carpio and Buban each totaled 10 digs. Hanson dished out 10 assists, while Harvey added nine. Benson finished with three aces and three blocks. UW-River Falls hit .270 for the match, while North Central posted a .122 hitting percentage.
North Central returns to conference play Wednesday, traveling to Augustana College for a key College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin matchup. First serve is set for 7 p.m. on Nov. 4 inside Carver Arena.
