ST. PAUL, MINN. – The Central College volleyball team got off to a slow start at the St. Kate's Invitational Friday night, dropping a pair of matches to Minnesota foes.

The Dutch were defeated by St. Mary's University (Minn.) 25-19, 28-30, 25-19, 25-18 and Hamline University (Minn.) 25-20, 25-15, 23-25, 25-23.

Outside hitter Kylie Gerstein (junior, Iowa Falls, Iowa Falls-Alden) rattled off 12 kills to lead Central (1-5) against St. Mary's. Setter Chapel Carter (sophomore, Colorado Springs, Colo., Coronado) had 15 assists and Nicole Ewoldt (senior, Hull, Boyden-Hull) had 29 digs.

 A slow start was costly against Hamline. "Hamline got off to a quick start with a 2-0 set lead," said coach Kent Clayberg. "They were aggressive from the start, while I thought we were flat."

Ewoldt continued to shine on the defensive end, adding 12 digs.

"Nicole was fantastic tonight," said Clayberg. "She has been able to defend one half of the floor for us, which has greatly improved our defense from a year ago."

Setters Carter and Regan Nelson (junior, Pella) led the team with 11 and 10 assists respectfully.

"Regan looked good for us tonight," he said. "She brought a sense of control to the court, which was nice to see in her first extended time on the court."

The Dutch conclude tourney play Saturday taking on Marian University (Wis.) at 11 a.m. and the host school, St. Catherine's University, at 1 p.m.