MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – In five out of the last six matches won, the Yellowjacket volleyball team's power has been on display, sweeping their opponents in three-straight sets. Heading into Friday's matchup against North Central the narrative stayed the same, as UWS swept the Rams 3-0 in a swift 63 minutes.
 
Despite the sweep, the Rams began the match neck-and-neck with the Yellowjackets, as the teams traded points early on until junior outside hitter Maiana Stark (Germantown, Wis./Germantown) registered her first kill of the match, sparking a five-point rally and leading 10-6. The Rams began to register points of their own but were unable to grasp the lead after sophomore Colleen Claude (Centuria, Wis./Homeschool) collected a kill, sparking another rally for the Yellowjackets. UWS would secure a first set victory of 25-16 after kills from Marena Saeger (Stillwater, Minn./Stillwater Area), Sydney Smith (Milltown, Wis./Unity), and Emma Crandell (Forest Lake, Minn./Homeschool).
 
Riding the momentum from the first set, the Yellowjackets continued to display their strength, jumping to an 12-3 lead courtesy of kills from Ayla Oltmanns (Gilbert, Minn./Duluth East), Crandell, and Stark. North Central gathered themselves and brought the match to 13-9, but the Yellowjackets got back on the right foot with Kaylin Plautz (Elk River, Minn./Elk River), Crandell, and Stark leading the offensive charge. UWS would win the second set 25-16.
 
North Central jumped out to a 5-3 lead in the third set, but Stark helped the 'Jackets kick off another long rally. After leading 14-11 the Rams crawled back within one, but UW-Superior found its groove and jumped to a 22-16 lead. After dropping three points, the Yellowjackets would secure the third set and match victory with a 25-19 win.
 
Leading the offensive charge Friday was Crandell, ending her evening with 14 kills and swinging for a .560 attack percentage. Oltmanns and Stark also shined, providing ten and nine kills of their own, respectively. Defensively the Yellowjackets collected 14 blocks, with Plautz accounting for four and Smith for three. Crandell, Oltmanns and Saeger finished with two each.
 
The Yellowjackets will remain in the Twin Cities and face No. 4 Northwestern Saturday. First serve at Ericksen Center is scheduled for 1 p.m.