DE PERE, WISCONSIN — Despite having 15 more kills than Carroll University (Wis.) Friday, the Central College volleyball team fell 3-2 (25-23, 21-25, 25-22, 19-25, 15-11) on the first day of the St. Norbert Chick-fil-A Classic.
           
The Dutch (3-3) had 63 kills compared to 48 for the Pioneers (6-2) and even had a higher attack percentage (.190 for Central, .123 for Carroll). However, Central registered 17 service errors compared to just five for Carroll.
           
"Statistically, we did some good things against a pretty solid opponent," coach Jeanne Czipri said. "But the statistic that sticks out is our service errors. We are really working on being aggressive and trying to put some good pace on the ball. I'm not happy with 17 service errors but I'd rather us figure out our serving now so we are ready for conference."
           
It was another big night for Central's libero Collen Kenney (sophomore, Taylor Ridge, Ill., Rock Island Alleman HS) who had a team-high 26 digs. Paige Sexton (sophomore, Sheridan, Ill., Serena HS) also had 17 digs.
           
"Colleen grabbed some crazy balls and I'm happy to see our defense is improving in the areas we have been working on," Czipri said.
           
Offensively Landry Pacha (sophomore, Wellman, Mid-Prairie HS) led the team with 14 kills and Gracie Pierson (senior, Lake City, Minn.) added 13 more. Freshman Kaitlyn Koel (freshman, Sioux Falls, S.D., Lincoln HS) reached double figures for the first time with 10 kills. Setters Avery Rexroat (junior, Macomb, Ill.) and Makayla Ribble (junior, Iowa City) had 26 and 10 assists, respectively.
           
"We have made a lot of improvement offensively from a year ago," Czipri said.
           
Middle hitter Kaitlyn Mumm (Waukee, Des Moines Christian HS) was in on six total blocks, including three solo.
           
The Dutch have two more matches in Wisconsin Saturday starting at 10 a.m. against Northland College (Wis.). They also play Dominican University (Ill.) at noon.