Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Director of Athletics Communication, 630-637-5324
KENOSHA, Wis. (Oct. 7, 2026) - Playing their second straight conference match in Wisconsin, the North Central College women's volleyball team suffered a 25-19, 25-14, 15-19 loss to Carthage College Wednesday evening inside Tarble Arena.
Two kills from Abby Buban halted a 5-1 start by the hosts. Jordan Surber posted the match's first block before a kill by Sarah Harvey brought the Cardinals within one, 11-10. Forcing a Carthage timeout, Katie Godo recorded a kill to knot the contest at 13-13. Carthage scored five of the next six points to take control of the opening set. Kills from Ava Hoff, Lauren Benson and Buban were not enough as the Firebirds held on for a 25-19 win in set one.
Again, Carthage jumped out to an early lead, scoring the first five points of the second set. Following a kill from Harvey and Buban, the Cardinals took a timeout after the Firebirds took an 8-2 advantage. North Central responded as Harvey set up Giada Schrementi and Ava Hoff to bring the Cardinals within striking distance. An ace from Demi Carpio put North Central within three, 9-6. Following back-to-back kills from Benson, Carthage went on a 7-2 run to take an 18-10 lead. The Firebirds closed out the set to take a 25-14 victory in set two.
After Carthage took an early 8-2 advantage, Buban and Benson battled to keep North Central close, 10-6. The teams traded points as Schrementi added to her block total before Hoff and Surber used kills to bring the Cardinals within three, 16-13. Carthage scored six of the next seven points, jumping out to a 22-14 lead. North Central answered with a 5-1 rally, but the Firebirds clinched the match with a 25-19 win in the final set.
Harvey dished out 25 assists on the night, while Carpio added 11 digs. Buban led the Cardinals with 10 kills. As a team, North Central hit .180 with the Firebirds posting a .376 hitting percentage.
The Cardinals return home to Gregory Arena for a 7 p.m. first serve against Wheaton College on Wednesday, Oct. 15. The teams have split each of the past four contests.
