MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.-- There is a lot of optimism around the 2010 North Central University Rams volleyball team. A combination of three solid returners and some talented transfers and newcomers has Head Coach Ryan Schlangen believing the Rams have a great chance to compete for a National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) North Central Region Championship.
Following the first two weeks of practice Coach Schlangen, as well as first year assistant coach Alaina Klein, like what they have seen from their team so far. The team has started to gel on and off the court and the coaches believe their on-court communication will be a strength. The Rams offensive attack will be led by Senior All-Region Setter Lindsay Larson (Lakeville, Minn./Christian Life School). Also returning are Juniors Andrea Grandstrand (Karlstad, Minn./Heritage Christian School) and Danielle Anderson (Aurora, Minn./Mesabi East). Anderson is coming off a knee injury but when healthy she is a solid Libero. Grandstrand is a tall, athletic Middle Hitter, which will be an area of strength for the Rams. Transfer Mariah Simonson (Zumbrota, Minn./Zumbrota-Mazeppa), a 5'10" Middle Hitter, has been impressive in pre-season workouts.
The Rams will open up the season at the 2010 Eagle Spikefest hosted by Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny, Iowa on September 3-4. It will be a good early test for the Rams as they will see Regional opponents Faith Baptist and Trinity Bible College (Ellendale, N.D.) along with 2009 National Tournament participants Grace University (Omaha, Neb.) and Maranatha Baptist Bible College (Milwaukee, Wis.). The regular season will wrap up with two contests against quality opponents from St. Paul, Minnesota and the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in Hamline University and Macalester College.
The NCCAA North Central Region Tournament begins on October 30th at Faith Baptist. Defending champion Providence College (Otterburne, Manitoba, Canada), Faith Baptist and Trinity Bible College make up the North Central Region. With a Region Championship the Rams will earn a berth in the NCCAA Division II Women's National Volleyball Championship held November 11-13, 2010 at the Kissimmee Civic Center (hosted by Florida Christian College).
