PELLA — Playing its fifth straight home game to open the season Wednesday, the Central College volleyball team dispatched Knox College (Ill.) 25-16, 25-16, 25-14.
           
Central (3-2) used 14 different players, with 12 recording at least one point via kill or service ace. As a team, Central recorded a hitting percentage of .277 with 52 total kills compared to just 16 kills for the Prairie Fire (0-5).
           
"It was great to be able to work in the some of the newer players to let them work through the nerves," coach Jeanne Czipri said.
           
Outside hitter Paige Sexton (junior, Sheridan, Ill., Serena HS) was the kills leader for the Dutch with 10 while middle hitter Kaitlyn Mumm (junior, Waukee, Des Moines Christian HS) added eight on 10 swings. Libero Colleen Kenney (senior, Taylor Ridge, Ill., Rock Island Alleman HS), led the team with 12 digs and four service aces. Setter Makayla Ribble (senior, Iowa City) paced the team with 25 set assists.
           
Central plays three matches in St. Paul, Minnesota this weekend, starting with a 7 p.m. match Friday against Hamline University (Minn.).
           
"We're excited for a challenging weekend in Minnesota to grow and learn," Czipri said.