WINONA, Minn. — Coach Jeanne Czipri's debut for the Central College volleyball team was spoiled with two losses but the team showed plenty of promise.

"Overall, today was a positive day," said Czipri. "We showed the progress I was looking for from our scrimmage."

Central dropped its opening match of the day to Ripon College (Wis.) 16-25, 25-22, 25-20, 23-25, 15-9 before falling to Carthage College (Wis.) 25-12, 25-21, 25-21 in the nightcap.

"We challenged Ripon and made progress and Carthage is always a really good team," said Czipri.

Senior outside hitter Kylie Gerstein (Iowa Falls, Iowa Falls-Alden HS) led the Dutch with 21 kills on the day. Sophomore defensive specialist Brooke Caves (Oskaloosa) 38 digs, while junior Chapel Carter (Colorado Springs, Colo., Coronado HS) had 39 assists.

"Our hitters played really well against Ripon and that's a credit to everyone on the team," said Czipri.

There's no rest for the Dutch as the team turns around and plays Wis-Stout at Noon Saturday and finishes the tournament with tourney host St. Mary's (Minn.) at 4 p.m. Czipri thinks the team is up for the challenge.

"I'm eager to see some other challenging teams tomorrow," she said. "We have to show some grit and toughness and fight through the quick turnaround."