Dutch beat Beavers to close out volleyball regular season

PELLA – In the regular season finale Thursday night, the Central College volleyball team overcame a slow start for a 17-25, 25-17, 25-15, 25-17 victory at Buena Vista University.

Central (20-8, 5-3 American Rivers Conference) finished in a three-way tie for third place and as the No. 4 seed host the quarterfinals of the league tournament against Wartburg College Tuesday.

“I’m so proud of this group for settling in and finding their rhythm tonight,” coach Jeanne Czipri said. “Buena Vista is always a tough team to play, especially in Storm Lake, but I’m so proud of how we found ourselves and got it done.”

After recording a negative hitting percentage in the opening set, Central’s offense came to life in the next three sets. Freshman right-side hitter Kaitlyn Koel (Sioux Falls, S.D., Lincoln HS) had a team-high 11 kills. Junior outside hitter Leslie Snow (Olivia, Minn., BOLD HS) had 10 kills.

Setter Makayla Ribble (junior, Iowa City) had another double-double with 23 assists and 17 digs. She also had six service aces on 26 attempts.

Making her first start at libero this season, senior Gwen Kahlke (Blandinsville, Ill., West Prairie HS) had 35 digs.

“She stepped in and was exceptional tonight,” Czipri said. “It was a testament to her four years of gritty and tenacious work.”

Central will host a conference tournament game for the first time since 2014 on Tuesday.

“We are excited to be home on Tuesday,” Czipri said. “I couldn’t be prouder of this team getting five conference wins. Every team is solid, but our success is a testament to the standards our seniors demand of their teammates.”