Central gets two sweeps in volleyball tournament

GALESBURG, ILLINOIS— Winning all six sets it played Friday afternoon, the Central College volleyball team beat Monmouth College (Ill.) and Iowa Wesleyan University 3-0 at the Knox Invitational.

The Dutch (6-3) beat the Fighting Scots (4-4) 25-22, 25-13, 25-22 and downed the Tigers (3-5) 25-21, 25-23, 25-19.

“We are happy with two wins in straight sets today,” coach Jeanne Czipri said. “We hope to repeat that tomorrow.”

Freshman outside hitter Natalie Gaszynski (Huntley, Ill.) secured a double-double against Iowa Wesleyan with 10 kills and 11 digs. She had five kills and 11 digs against Monmouth, also adding five service aces.

“It was nice to see Natalie being aggressive and creating offensively,” Czipri said. “She made some nice plays in the back court as well.”

Sophomore setter Alyssa Lewton (Ankeny, Centennial HS) paced the team with 28 assists, while freshman setter Amanda Smith (Tipton) had 25.

Libero Landry Luhring (sophomore, Grundy Center) also had 11 digs against Monmouth. Outside hitter Krissa Larson (sophomore, Waverly, Waverly-Shell Rock HS) and right side hitter Erin Dilger (senior, Tinley Park, Ill., Lincoln Way North HS) each had nine kills against Iowa Wesleyan.

For day two of the Knox Invitational on Saturday, the Dutch will face Anderson University (Ind.) and Knox. Central has never played the Ravens and have swept the Prairie Fire in all three previous meetings (2005, 2012, 2014).

“While we got the wins today, we struggled a lot,” Czipri said. “We have a lot to clean up for tomorrow and to be ready for conference next week.”