Central volleyball sweeps Monmouth College

Central College

MONMOUTH, ILL. — The Central College volleyball team continued its strong play Thursday night, swept Monmouth College (Ill.), 25-17, 25-20, 26-24.

A balanced offense is key for the Dutch early this season. Thursday night, outside hitters Mollie Mason (junior, Iowa City, West HS) and Kylie Gerstein (junior, Iowa Falls, Iowa Falls-Alden HS) provided the Dutch with 21 kills; 11 and 10, respectively. Setter Chapel Carter (sophomore, Colorado Springs (Colo.), Coronado HS) set the table for the Central offense with 16 assists and a service ace.

“Mollie and Kylie were able to challenge the defense tonight,” said coach Kent Clayberg. “Mollie is really starting to find her rhythm offensively with no attack errors again tonight.”

Central used a collective defense to hold the Scots to 22 kills compared to its 37. Libero Nicole Ewoldt (senior, Hull, Boyden-Hull HS) anchored the defense with 15 digs.

“Nicole’s steady defense this year allows us to set up the offense” said Clayberg.

The Dutch resume play Tuesday night for their home opener against new Iowa Conference member Nebraska Wesleyan at 7:30 p.m.