Seniors end Dutch volleyball season with victory

PELLA — On Senior Day, the Central College volleyball team had big games from several seniors on the way to a five-set victory over Wheaton College (Ill.) in the season finale.

The Dutch (10-15) rallied to beat the Thunder (11-17) with a 20-25, 25-21, 23-25, 25-19, 15-12 victory.

Amanda Smith (senior, setter, Tipton) had another monster game for the Dutch with 24 assists and 17 kills. She also had eight digs. Adisyn Illg (senior, Johnsburg, Ill.) had 18 assists and 12 digs for a double-double of her own.

Rachel Pella (senior, middle hitter, Kansas City, Mo., Park Hill HS) had nine kills and four blocks while Natalie Gaszynski (senior, outside hitter, Huntley, Ill.) had 10 kills and two blocks. Sam Worley (defensive specialists, Olathe, Kan., Northwest HS) had nine digs and Taylor Richards (senior, outside hitter, Ankeny) had five kills and three blocks.

“That match was a fantastic way to finish a challenging season,” coach Jeanne Czipri said. “I’m so proud of the grit and fight that our girls showed today.”

Ashli Harn (freshman, libero, Waverly, Waverly-Shell Rock HS) and Gwen Kahlke (sophomore, defensive specialist, Blandinsville, Ill., West Prairie HS) led the team in digs with 23 and 15, respectively.

All nine of Central’s seniors, including Kate Pachner (libero, Akron, Colo.), Lexie Buls (right-side hitter, Kearney, Mo.) and Kaylin Carel (outside hitter, St. Michael, Minn., St. Michael-Albertville HS) were honored in a pregame ceremony for Senior Day.

“This group of seniors are special,” Czipri said. “They’ve been through a lot and they stuck it out with and for each other.”