DECATUR, ILLINOIS — The Central College volleyball team started Saturday with a 25-19, 26-24, 25-17 sweep over Webster University (Mo.) before losing to No. 17 Millikin University (Ill.) 20-25, 25-23, 25-18, 25-22 in the second match.
           
The Dutch (5-6) showed glimpses of promise, especially against Webster.
           
"We learned a lot and are growing," coach Jeanne Czipri said. "We are doing some really fantastic things on the court, but sometimes this group has to learn the hard lesson unfortunately." 
           
Adisyn Illg (junior, setter, Johnsburg, Ill.) had a double-double against Webster with 20 assists and 10 digs.
           
Also against the Gorloks, Gracie Pierson (freshman, outside hitter, Lake City, Minn.) had a team-high 13 kills
           
"Gracie is definitely figuring it out," Czipri said. "We just want to see her get a little more confident in what she is doing."
           
Freshman defensive specialist Becca Vala (Omaha, Neb., Elkhorn HS) had four service aces against Webster and a team-high 13 digs against Millikin. Natalie Gaszynski (junior, outside hitter, Huntley, Ill.) and Krissa Larson (senior, outside hitter, Waverly, Waverly-Shell Rock HS) each had 10 kills against Millikin.
           
Central opens American Rivers Conference play Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m., hosting Buena Vista University at 7:30 p.m. in P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium.
           
"We are not the same team we were on September 1," Czipri said. "I'm hoping we attack conference matches with some confidence and continue to elevate our play."