MILWAUKEE, WIS. — The stellar careers of Central College volleyball seniors Chapel Carter (setter, Colorado Springs, Colo., Coronado HS) and Melissa Miller (right-side hitter, Williamsburg) came to a close Saturday morning in a loss to Maranatha Baptist University (Wis.)
           
In a four-set loss, the Dutch (12-19 overall, 1-7 American Rivers Conference) fell 24-26, 25-22, 26-24, 25-19.
           
"Maranatha is always a tough team to play in our sport," coach Jeanne Czipri said. "They are unconventional, but gritty, athletic and a strong defensive unit. We let our third set go and that took the wind out of our sails."
           
Miller recorded a season-high 15 kills on 29 attempts for a .448 hitting percentage. She also had three blocks. Carter tallied 22 assists and five digs.
           
"Melissa and Chapel finishing the match how they did doesn't even do them justice for what they have done for this team," Czipri said. "We are so very grateful for what they have given to our volleyball family and will them dearly."
           
Freshman Krissa Larson (outside hitter, Waverly, Waverly-Shell Rock HS) had nine kills on a career-high 52 attempts.
           
Libero Hannah Tripp (sophomore, Eldora, South Hardin HS) led the way with 24 digs. Outside hitter Landry Luhring (freshman, Grundy Center) added 18. Hana Edgerton (junior, middle hitter, Grundy Center) had five blocks.
           
At the end of a season full of growing pains, the future looks bright as 10 of the 12 players used in today's contest will return. Four of the six starters from the match today will be back in 2019.
           
"The results don't show the improvement we made this season," Czipri said. "But anybody who watched us knows that we have grown. Those two seniors are a big part of the reason why."