DUBUQUE — Extending its win streak to seven matches, the Central College volleyball team swept Monmouth College (Ill.) 3-0 and defeated St. Olaf College (Minn.) Friday at the Loras Invitational.
The Dutch have started the season 9-1, the best 10-game start to the season since the 2000 team started 9-1 and went on to win the NCAA Division III title.
Sweeping the Scots (1-8) 25-16, 25-16, 25-15 was the seventh time this season Central has swept an opponent.
"I'm glad we took care of business against Monmouth," coach
Jeanne Czipri said. "We started a little sloppy but we were able to get things going."
Against the Oles (4-4), Central trailed by a set twice but rallied for a 21-25, 25-21, 13-25, 25-22, 15-9 victory.
"We knew we were facing a great opponent and I'm pleased with how we battled tonight," Czipri said. "Aside from our third set, I felt like we stayed aggressive and started to make good adjustments defensively."
Gracie Pierson (junior, outside hitter, Lake City, Minn.) had 14 kills in each match and
Gracie Daniels (senior, outside hitter, Broken Arrow, Okla.) added 10 apiece in each as well.
Emma Wagler (junior, middle hitter, Des Moines, Roosevelt HS) had 11 kills on 15 swings against Monmouth.
"I loved seeing our hitters being aggressive, especially Gracie P," Czipri said. "When she stays aggressive, great things happen."
Avery Rexroat (sophomore, setter, Macomb, Ill.) had 36 assists against Monmouth and 22 against St. Olaf.
Makayla Ribble (sophomore, setter, Iowa City) added 18 against St. Olaf.
"Our setters did a great job of moving the ball around," Czipri said. "It helped our offense to get a lot of quality looks."
Colleen Kenney (sophomore, Libero, Taylor Ridge, Illinois, Rock Island Alleman HS) had 18 digs and three service aces against St. Olaf. Kenney also had 21 digs against Monmouth.
The Dutch have one more game at the Loras Invitational on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. against Westminster College (Mo.).
