Minneapolis, Minn. – The Crown volleyball team played a pair of matches downtown on Friday night, facing off against North Central University in a UMAC contest and then matching up with Finlandia University directly after.

In the first match, Crown was beaten by North Central 3-0, with set scores of 25-14, 28-26, and 25-19.  In the second set, Crown built a 19-14 advantage before the hosts ripped off seven strait points to regain the lead.  The Polars rebounded and had a set point opportunity at 25-24, but the Rams held firm to even things up.  Crown had another set point at 26-25, but the Rams scored three straight to win the set.

Ashley Earick had an efficient night, notching seven kills with no errors on just ten attempts.  Shaelyn Mcneill led the team with eight assists and Gracie Vanbebber had four aces.  Sage Johnston's six digs paced the team in game one. 

In the second match of the night, Crown nearly took the first set, but fell 26-24 and then dropped the next two by scores of 25-14, and 25-21. 

Hailey Klein had nine kills to top the Polars in the second match with Earick continuing her good night with eight kills.  Mcneill and Vanbebber both hit double-figures in assists, with eleven and ten respectively.  Johnston once again led the defense with ten digs. 

Crown will return to action next Tuesday in a non-conference matchup with Concordia Moorhead.