WAVERLY — A strong offensive performance from middle hitter Jenna Dille (junior, Carlisle) was not enough for the Central College volleyball team in the loss to Wartburg College 25-17, 25-23, 25-20.
Wartburg (16-5 overall, 5-1 in conference) opened the match with 12 kills and no errors. The Central defense limited the Knight offense to a .034 hitting percentage in set two. In set three, Central went point for point with the Knights until Wartburg finished the set on a 6-1 run.
Heading into the match, coach Kent Clayberg felt the team would be ready for the contest.
"Tonight was pretty disappointing because I felt after watching last night's practice that we were well prepared and ready to go," he said. "I felt we came out of the gates tonight timid."
Dille led the Dutch with a .294 hitting percentage leading to seven kills. Outside hitter Kylie Gerstein (junior, Iowa Falls, Iowa Falls-Alden) had a double-double with team-high 10 kills and 14 digs. Freshman middle hitter Hana Edgerton (Grundy Center) provided five kills on 14 attacks.
"Our middle hitters were able to position themselves well throughout the night and provided a presence," said Clayberg.
Sophomore setter Chapel Carter (Colorado Springs, Colo., Coronado) had 15 assists and junior setter Regan Nelson (Pella) had 14 assists and a service ace. Libero Nicole Ewoldt (senior, Hull, Boyden-Hull) had 15 digs to lead the Dutch.
Central makes a quick turnaround heading to Decorah Saturday for a matchup with Luther College (20-6 overall, 5-1 in conference). Luther clinched a spot in the Iowa Conference Championships on Friday night with a three-set win over Simpson College. Central also clinched a spot in the tournament, which is held November 4-5 in Cedar Rapids at the U.S. Cellular Center.
Coach Clayberg is looking forward to Saturday's matchup with Luther.
"Tomorrow provides an opportunity for us to play the first-place team in our conference," he said. "We will have a chance to gain some confidence heading into the conference tournament in a couple weeks."
