ST. PAUL, MINN — Sophomore setter Madison Egger (Lincoln, Neb., Southwest HS) tallied 55 assists as the Central College volleyball team came away with a split in the final day of the St. Kate's Invitational in St. Paul, Minn. Saturday.

Central (2-6) began the morning slowly before rallying to beat Marian University (Wis.) 18-25, 17-25, 25-20, 27-25, 15-13. However, the Dutch fell to host St. Catherine's University (Minn.) 25-16, 25-18, 22-25, 25-19.

Egger started for the first time this season and did not disappoint, assisting on 29 kills against Marian.

"Madison got her first action of the year today, and I was really pleased with what I saw from her," said coach Kent Clayberg. "She showed a few flashes of excellence, but also had times where the rust showed."

Outside hitter Kylie Gerstein (junior, Iowa Falls, Iowa Falls-Alden HS)asserted herself with 16 kills. LiberoNicole Ewoldt (senior, Hull, Boyden-Hull HS) created havoc on the defensive end with 21 digs. Against St. Kate's, Gerstein again led the Dutch with 16 kills.  Ewoldt had 28 digs to finished the tournament with 90. Middle hittersEmily McDonald (junior, Orange City, MOC-Floyd Valley HS) and Jenna Dille (junior, Carlisle)added eight kills apiece. "With Hana Edgerton (freshman, Grundy Center) going down with an injury yesterday, we had to shuffle our lineup a little bit today," said Clayberg. "We used Emily (McDonald) in all areas of the floor, and she was able to produce."

Central opens Iowa Conference play on the road against Simpson College, Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at Indianola. The Dutch will look to amend last year's four-set loss to the Storm.