DECORAH — The 2021 spring season for the Central College volleyball team ended on a high note with a 25-19, 25-20, 25-20 win at Luther College Saturday afternoon.
           
Central finishes the season 4-4 overall and 4-4 in the American Rivers Conference. It's the program's first .500 record in league matches since 2016. The Norse are 0-7 (0-7) and wrap up their season Monday.
           
"I'm really pleased to finish with a win today," coach Jeanne Czipri said. "We have been trying to focus on the process and being better than who we were yesterday. That brought us to .500 record and likely fifth-place finish."
           
Senior hitters Kayleigh Fite (Florissant, Mo., Trinity Catholic HS) and Ally Focht (Stanton) had 14 and four kills, respectively. Defensive specialist DaLana Kron (West Branch) had seven digs and a service ace in the final match for the three-member senior class.
           
"So incredibly grateful and proud of our seniors," Czipri said. "They have been through a lot in their four years. Our program has learned a lot of lessons in there time here. We will miss them so much and are so thankful for all they have given this program."
           
Outside hitter Krissa Larson (junior, Waverly, Waverly-Shell Rock HS) had 12 kills and four block assists. Middle hitter Hallie Uhlig (junior, Colorado Springs, Colo., Palmer Ridge HS) had five block assists. Setter Amanda Smith (sophomore, Tipton) had 29 assists and libero Landry Luhring (junior, Grundy Center) had 12 digs.
           
The Dutch were able to use 14 different players in the varsity match, including two freshmen and five sophomores. As a team Central hit .297 (42-7-128), its best average of the season.