CEDAR RAPIDS — A scenario that was both familiar and unfortunate unfolded for the Central College volleyball team Saturday afternoon as the Dutch raced to a 2-0 lead before the University of Dubuque rolled up three set victories to win 3-2.
           
The Dutch (11-16, 1-6 American Rivers Conference) were dropped by the Spartans (19-9, 5-2 conference) 19-25, 20-25, 25-21, 25-21, 15-9. On Friday night against Loras College, Central also won the first two sets before ultimately losing 3-2.
           
"The last two nights we don't think we are supposed to be in that fifth set," coach Jeanne Czipri said. "We played not to lose.
           
"Dubuque's a very high IQ team. We came in giving them a lot of respect but at the same time we knew what we are capable of when we play smart. That's our big focus as of late, making sure we are reading what the game is telling."
           
Freshman Krissa Larson (outside hitter, Waverly, Waverly-Shell Rock HS) matched her career-best effort with 18 kills, doing so on 45 attempts (.311 hitting percentage).
           
"I'm really excited about her performance," Czipri said. "The conference has done a good job of scouting and figuring out how to slow her down. She started to make some changes tonight that she didn't make last night. I'm really proud of her decision-making."
           
Libero DaLana Kron (sophomore, West Branch) and outside hitter Landry Luhring (freshman, Grundy Center) had 27 and 22 digs, respectively.
           
"Those two have been defensive ninjas in the back," Czipri said. "We love that."
           
Ruth Hruska-Kelly (freshman, outside hitter, Brookfield, Riverside-Brookfield HS) added seven kills of her own.
           
"She really stepped up in a pressure situation," Czipri said. "We have a lot of confidence in her. It's just making sure we pass well enough to get her the attacks that she needs."
           
On Tuesday night, the Dutch will host Nebraska Wesleyan University at 7:30 p.m. for senior night in P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium.