Box Score PELLA—It was a triumphant start to the 2023 season for the Central College volleyball team with a sweep of Crown College (Minn.) Friday night to start the Central-Grinnell Invitational.
           
The Dutch rolled past the Polars to the tune of 25-10, 25-14, 25-12.
           
In her varsity debut, right-side hitter Zoe Lutz (junior, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Lincoln HS) powered her way to nine kills. In her first career start, outside hitter Leslie Snow (sophomore, Olivia, Minn., BOLD HS) added 10 of her own.
           
"Zoe has consistently been such a hard worker," coach Jeanne Czipri said.  "A role opened up for her and she's been killing it in practice.
           
Middle hitters Elyse Johnson (senior, Kirksville, Mo.) and Emma Wagler (junior, Des Moines, Roosevelt HS) showed up in a big way with eight and seven kills, respectively.
           
"We've talked about not being reliable on just one or two hitters," Czipri said. "We were able to get them ball 13 times each and both hit at a high percentage."
           
Snow had four of the team's 13 aces. Right-side hitter Makayla Ribble (sophomore, Iowa City) added three and Wagler had two.
           
"That's an area I'm happy to see us have some success," Czipri said. "We still had 10 service errors so there's room to grow there."
           
Setter Avery Rexroat (sophomore, Macomb, Ill.) had 34 assists. Outside hitter Gracie Pierson (junior, Lake City, Minn.) led the way with 18 digs, libero Colleen Kenney (sophomore, Taylor Ridge, Ill., Rock Island Alleman HS) was close behind with 17. Wagler was also secured two blocks.
           
Central plays twice Saturday, starting with Bethany Lutheran College (Minn.) at 11 a.m. and Dominican University (Ill.) at 3 p.m.