LISLE, ILL. — An offensive outbreak provided the Central College volleyball team with two victories in the final day of the IIAC/NACC Crossover Tournament Saturday.
Central (7-8) rebounded from an opening-match loss Friday to finish the tourney 3-1. Saturday, the Dutch defeated Wisconsin Lutheran College 25-13, 25-20, 25-11 and Concordia-Chicago University (Ill.) 25-19, 25-14, 25-16.
Central's offense produced a hitting percentage of .322, the highest of the season.
"Our offense today was very energetic," said coach Kent Clayberg. "Our energy allowed us to find an aggressive rhythm."
Leading the explosion, outsider hitterMelissa Miller (sophomore, Williamsburg) tallied nine kills in the victory over Wisconsin Lutheran. Right side hitter Emily McDonald (junior, Orange City, MOC-Floyd Valley HS)added seven kills on 13 attempts. Central used a trio of setters to combine for 32 assists. Madison Egger (sophomore, Lincoln, Neb., Southwest HS) had 15, Chapel Carter (Colorado Springs, Colo., Coronado HS) added 10 and Regan Nelson (junior, Pella) contributed seven.
"We competed very well from the start of the day and were able to put pressure on the defense," said Clayberg.
The Dutch followed with 40 kills against Concordia-Chicago.
Outside hitter Kylie Gerstein (junior, Iowa Falls, Iowa Falls-Alden HS) led the way with nine and added three service aces. Fellow outside hitter Mollie Mason (junior, Iowa City, West HS) added seven kills, while libero Nicole Ewoldt (senior, Hull, Boyden-Hull HS) collected 15 digs.
Central looks to take the momentum forward into Homecoming weekend. The Dutch host Loras College Friday at 7:30 p.m. and the University of Dubuque Saturday at noon in conference matches at P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium.
