Chicago, Il., -- The Vikings returned to Carlson Gymnasium on Saturday for a CCIW clash against North Central College. North Park celebrated four seniors this afternoon in Adekunle Adebayo, Jonah Johnsamson, Zach Hayden, and Bobby Vaughn III. Despite a spirited offensive effort in the final set, the Vikings were unable to slow down the Cardinals, falling in straight sets (12-25, 14-25, 21-25).
North Central established their rhythm early. In the opening set, the Cardinals' defense at the net proved difficult to bypass, as they recorded four blocks to limit the Viking offense. North Park fed Adekunle Adebayo early, but NCC's efficiency led to a 25-12 win. The second set followed a similar pattern, with North Central jumping out to an early lead and holding on for a 25-14 victory.
The third set saw the Vikings find their footing offensively, putting up their most competitive frame of the afternoon. North Park hammered home 15 kills in the set, 7 of those coming from Jan Dragan—nearly matching their total from the first two sets combined. Gino Hamoy did an excellent job distributing the ball, finding Dragan and Jonah Johnsamson for several timely kills that kept the Vikings within striking distance late in the set. Giovanni Serafini also added a kill and a solo block to energize the home crowd late in the set. While NPU fought until the final whistle, North Central's Jeffrey McEachern delivered a late kill to seal the set 25-21 and clinch the match.
The Vikings will hit the road once again next week when they head to Wisconsin to face the #1 Carthage College Firebirds on Wednesday, March 25th at 7pm.
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