PELLA — The streak continues for the Central College volleyball team.

The Dutch (9-8 overall) improved to 3-1 in Iowa Conference play, defeating the University of Dubuque (10-10 overall, 1-4 conference) 23-25, 26-24, 25-20, 25-16 and extending its winning streak to five matches.

Central's defense enabled the offensive surge, according to coach Kent Clayberg.

"Seeing Dubuque's attack percentage fall each set shows me our defense was great today," he said. "Our defense allowed us to be aggressive on offense and it showed with our hitting percentage."

The Dutch increased their hitting percentage in each set, climbing from.045 to .132, .205 and .206.  

Quarterbacking the Central offense, setter Chapel Carter (sophomore, Colorado Springs, Colo., Coronado HS) set a career-high with 41 assists.

"Chapel has gotten her feet underneath her and has really started to move within the rhythm of this offense," said Clayberg. "She's getting more comfortable in our offense and it wouldn't surprise me to see these career-high numbers broken again."

Outside hitter Kylie Gerstein (junior, Iowa Falls, Iowa Falls-Alden HS) led the Dutch with 12 kills, while outside hitter Melissa Miller (sophomore, Williamsburg) had 11 kills on 35 attacks and one error (.286). Libero Nicole Ewoldt (senior, Hull, Boyden-Hull HS) anchored the defense with 36 digs.

Central has already tripled its Iowa Conference win total from 2015. The Dutch will look to add to that total Friday when they travel to Coe College (10-7 overall, 2-1 conference). The match-up will consist of two teams with only one loss in the Iowa Conference.