PELLA — Facing a talented offense in North Park University (Ill.), the Central College volleyball team lost in three sets 25-21, 25-19, 25-14 in the Sutphen Invitational at Kuyper Gymnasium Friday night.
           
Central (15-11) forced 10 lead changes in the three sets but could not find a set win against North Park (18-10).  
           
"We wanted to learn how to make adjustments in the middle of the match," coach Jeanne Czipri said. "We're really mentally trying to learn the lessons and working the way we need to work going into this weekend."
           
The Vikings had 42 kills and .308 hitting percentage. The Dutch had 32 kills but hit just .119. Krissa Larson (senior, Waverly, Waverly-Shell Rock HS) had a team-high 12 kills on 32 attempts. Natalie Gaszynski (junior, outside hitter, Huntley, Ill.) and Gracie Pierson (freshman, outside hitter, Lake City, Minn.) added five and four kills, respectively.
           
"I think we were being aggressive offensively, we were just missing a few things wide," Czipri said. "I think they had a better tempo than us."
           
Landry Luhring (senior, libero, Grundy Center) had 14 digs and Pierson had 11. Amanda Smith (junior, setter, Tipton) had 16 assists and Adisyn Illg (junior, Johnsburg, Ill.) had 11. Larson and Hallie Uhlig (senior, Colorado Springs, Colo., Palmer Ridge HS) each had two blocks.          
           
Central concludes tourney play Saturday at 12:30 p.m. against Monmouth College (Ill.). It's the home finale for Central, which will honor its senior class of players and student coaches in a pre-match ceremony.
           
"We want to get a win for our seniors," Czipri said.