PELLA — Overcoming a slow start, the Central College volleyball team rallied for four-set victory over Buena Vista University Wednesday night, 17-25, 25-22, 25-23, 26-19.
           
The Dutch (3-3, 3-3 American Rivers Conference) struggled in the first set with just nine kills and .029 hitting percentage. They had at least 14 kills in the next four sets, including 17 in the second set.
           
"I am really proud of how the team responded after the first set," coach Jeanne Czipri said. "We knew were coming out against a fast and efficient team and we had to outwork them. Once we started figuring out things with our serve and pass, the offense started clicking."
           
Kayleigh Fite (senior, middle hitter, Florissant, Mo., Trinity Catholic HS) had another monster game for the Dutch with 18 kills, including eight in the second set.
           
"She just finds a way to put the ball away," Czipri said. "That confidence and that competitiveness is feeding our team."
           
Setter Amanda Smith (sophomore, Tipton) had a double-double with 47 assists and 12 digs while also adding two blocks.
           
"Our passers put her in a good position starting with set two," Czipri said "Then our hitters started figuring out how to put the ball away."
           
At the net, Central had nine total blocks, highlighted by one solo and five assisted blocks by Hallie Uhlig (junior, middle hitter, Colorado Springs, Palmer Ridge HS).
           
"She finds a way to get her hands on everything," Czipri said. "She had so many more positive touches that weren't touches for points."
           
Central also got 16 kills from Krissa Larson (junior, outside hitter, Waverly, Waverly-Shell Rock HS) and 26 digs from Landry Luhring (junior, libero, Grundy Center)
           
For its final home game of the season, Central will host the University of Dubuque at 2 p.m. Saturday.
           
"I'm really loving the fire and competitiveness," Czipri said. "I'm eager to see them go after a tough Dubuque team Saturday."