Dutch persevere for volleyball in league opener

PELLA – A late rally in Friday’s third set against Luther College propelled the Central College volleyball team to victory in its American Rivers Conference opener.

Central (14-5, 1-0 conference) won the first set 25-17 against Luther (4-14, 0-2) before dropping the second set 25-19. In the third set, Central trailed most of the way and found itself in a 20-14 hole. The Dutch scored 11 of the next 13 points for a 25-22 victory and then cruised to a 25-17 win in the fourth set.

“We did a great job of executing the gameplan,” coach Jeanne Czipri said. “And when we did that, great things happened. We’ve got some game changers that can come in and shift things on the court for us.

“It wasn’t the prettiest win. But a win is a win, and we’ll take it.”

Coming off the bench in that third set, outside hitter Leslie Snow (junior, Olivia, Minn., BOLD HS) had 10 kills on just 22 attempts. She also had five digs and a service ace.

“She’s one of the best game changers we’ve had in my time here,” Czipri said. “Being able to come off the bench and do what she does never surprises me. It’s a tough role we’ve asked her to play and she’s doing an exceptional job.”

Kaitlyn Koel (freshman, right-side hitter, Sioux Falls, S.D., Lincoln HS) led the team with 11 kills and outside hitter Gracie Pierson (senior, Lake City, Minn.) added eight. Setters Makayla Ribble (junior, Iowa City) and Avery Rexroat (junior, Macomb) had 20 and 19 assists, respectively.

Pierson had two service aces and Koel had two blocks. Colleen Kenney (junior, Taylor Ridge, Ill., Rock Island, Alleman HS) led the team with 18 digs.

The Dutch have a pair of American Rivers Conference matches next weekend, starting on Friday night at the University of Dubuque at 6 p.m. The Dutch also play Loras College at 11 a.m. on Saturday.

“Those are two traditionally strong teams,” Czipri said. “We’ve got a lot of work to do to get ready but we’re excited.”