PELLA — An abundance of strong kills for the Central College volleyball team was dampened by a four-set loss to Nebraska Wesleyan University Thursday night.
Tuesday was the final game of the American Rivers Conference slate for both teams as the Dutch moved to 11-17 overall (1-7 conference) and the Prairie Wolves jumped to 9-16 (2-6 conference). Nebraska Wesleyan was victorious to the tune of 25-18, 20-25, 25-22, 25-19.
It was Senior Day for two members of the program as setter
Chapel Carter (Colorado
Springs, Colo., Coronado HS) and right-side hitter
Melissa Miller (Williamsburg) were honored before the match.
"It's tough to lose, especially on a night when you're celebrating your seniors and all they have done for the program," Czipri said. "They've done a lot to teach our freshmen, but now it's up to the youth to figure it out and find a way to pull off these wins."
Miller had nine kills and a .348 hitting percentage. Carter registered 27 assists and six digs.
"Mel being aggressive, especially in the fourth set, is something to celebrate," Czipri said. "Chapel getting that many assists is huge, especially in a 6-2 offense. That's a lot of credit to her."
Krissa Larson (freshman, outside hitter, Waverly, Waverly-Shell Rock HS) had six kills in the second set and 15 total. Fellow freshman outside hitter
Ruth Hruska-Kelly (Brookfield, Ill., Riverside-Brookfield HS) also had a big night with 13 kills.
"Having two freshmen in double digits in four sets is really positive," Czipri said. "They've done a good job of learning new shots. Now, it's just a matter of knowing when to do what shots. That will come with experience."
The final tournament of the season takes Central to Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the Warrior Invitational hosted by Wisconsin Lutheran College. The Dutch will play the host school and the Milwaukee School of Engineering (Wis.) on Friday night and wrap up the season against Maranatha Baptist University (Wis.) Saturday at 10 a.m.
"We're hoping to go 3-0 and end on a high note," Czipri said. "We want to end this season in a positive light four our seniors and to show promise for the future."
