ROCK ISLAND, ILL. — The Central College volleyball team ended its 2016 regular-season campaign on a positive note Saturday with a three-set sweep over Iowa Wesleyan 25-14, 25-12, 27-25 at the Pumpkin Bash hosted by Augustana College (Ill.).
The Dutch fell in their first match of the day to tournament-host Augustana 25-18, 25-27, 25-22, 23-25, 15-11.
Central (13-14) was led offensively by outside hitters Kylie Gerstein (junior, Iowa Falls, Iowa Falls-Alden) and Mollie Mason (junior, Iowa City, West)finishing 10 kills apiece against Iowa Wesleyan. Right-side hitter Melissa Miller (sophomore, Williamsburg)collected seven kills. Sophomore setter Chapel Carter (Colorado Springs, Coronado) tallied 30 assists for the Dutch. Libero Nicole Ewoldt (senior, Hull, Boyden-Hull) anchored the defense with 23 digs.
In the loss to Augustana (25-8), Gerstein led the Dutch with a double-double including 26 digs and 16 kills. Middle hitter Jenna Dille (junior, Carlisle) added 12 kills with only one error, while Mason also added 12 kills. Ewoldt added 53 digs, which aided to the Dutch season-high 133 digs. Middle hitter Hana Edgerton (freshman, Grundy Center) was all over the court with six kills and four blocks. Carter added 49 assists in the loss.
Despite a split, coach Kent Clayberg was pleased with his team's performance.
"It was a good day," he said. "I wish we could have pulled out the win against Augustana but I liked the way we battled with a good team on their home court."
Clayberg is ready to go to battle with his team in the upcoming conference tournament.
"The sweep over Iowa Wesleyan wraps up our regular season and I like where we're at," said Clayberg. "We have come a long way from early in the season. We are a dangerous team and I am excited for the team."
The Dutch will turn their attention to the newest member of the Iowa Conference Nebraska Wesleyan. Central heads to the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids Friday to take on the Prairie Wolves in the quarterfinals at 4:30 p.m. The winner will play at 7:30 Friday night in the semifinals with the conclusion of the tournament on Saturday.
