Dutch volleyball team wins league tournament opener

PELLA- With a convincing 25-13, 25-19, 25-19 sweep of Nebraska Wesleyan University in the American Rivers Conference quarterfinals Tuesday, the Central College volleyball team won its first league tournament game in nine years.

The Dutch (22-8) advance to the semifinals for the first time since 2016 where they will face the top-seeded University of Dubuque on Thursday at 7 p.m. in Dubuque.

“This is a byproduct of the team committing to our mission and our vision every day,” coach Jeanne Czipri said. “I couldn’t be more proud of with how focused and dialed in the team was. This is a big accomplishment for our program”

Right-side hitter Sophia Folkerts (junior, Dike, Dike-New Hartford HS) led the team with 12 kills but the balance from a plethora of Central attacking options was key to the team’s success according to coach Jeanne Czipri.

“We’re not a team that’s going to take over with one player,” Czipri said. “We’re a team that has to be balanced.”

“I’m proud of Sophia. She’s worked hard to make that happen.”

Rachel Bowers (sophomore, Orion, Ill.) added six kill and Leslie Snow had five. Makayla Ribble (senior, Iowa City) had 19 assists and Grace Corey (freshman, Watertown, S.D.) had 14. Snow led the team with 18 digs.

The Dutch had nine service aces, led by four from Colleen Kenney (senior, libero, Taylor Ridge, Ill., Rock Island Alleman Catholic HS).

“For us to get nine aces against probably one of the stronger passing teams in the conference is something that we’ll take,” Czipri said.

Central and Dubuque played to five sets on November 1 in Pella.

“We’re excited for the opportunity,” Czipri said. “It’s a hard place to play. We’re the dark horse and I think we’ve shown everybody in the conference we are a team to respect.”