PELLA — After winning the first two sets handily, the Central College volleyball team lost 18-25, 17-25, 25-14, 25-17,15-7 at the University of Dubuque Friday night.
           
Central (14-6, 1-1 American Rivers Conference) was in control nearly the entirety of the first two sets against the Spartans (15-7, 2-0 conference) before going cold to lose the last three.
           
"There are a lot of things we can be proud of," coach Jeanne Czipri said. "I think we demonstrated that we can be a tough team to beat."
           
Outside hitter Gracie Pierson (senior, Lake City, Minn.) had a season-high 16 kills to lead the Dutch. Right side hitter Kaitlyn Koel (freshman, right-side hitter, Sioux Falls, S.D., Lincoln HS) also reached double-digit kills with 10.
           
Colleen Kenney (junior, Taylor Ridge, Ill., Rock Island, Alleman HS) nearly matched her season-best with 28 digs. Pierson's 13 digs gave her a double-double.
           
Makayla Ribble (junior, Iowa City) led the Dutch with 18 assists and Kaitlyn Mumm (sophomore, Waukee, Des Moines Christian HS) had five blocks.
           
Central is back in action at 11 a.m. Saturday morning at Loras College in Dubuque.
           
"Our conference is a gauntlet, and every match is a dog fight," Czipri said. "Tonight was no exception. We just got away from what was working and need some players to get back into their groove."