Central’s offense sputters in volleyball loss
Central Dutch Athletics
CEDAR RAPIDS — A lack of execution cost the Central College college volleyball team in a three-set loss at Coe College on Friday night.
The Dutch (10-9, 1-2 conference) were defeated by the Kohawks (14-5, 2-1 conference) 25-20, 25-20, 25-22.
“I was pretty disappointed with our overall performance,” coach Jeanne Czipri said. “We had a game plan that we didn’t consistently execute. We took plays off and gave away a whole set with unforced errors.”
The only Dutch hitter to have double-digit kills, Krissa Larson (freshman, outside hitter, Waverly, Waverly-Shell Rock HS) had 10 kills in 23 attempts.
“I’m happy with Krissa finding ways to score,” Czipri said. “Especially with their defense set up pretty well against her.”
In terms of blocks, Tori Van Velzen (junior, middle hitter, Cumming, Norwalk HS) and Melissa Miller (senior, Williamsburg HS) had four and three, respectively.
“Tori and Melissa did some good things together at the net defensively,” Czipri said.
Libero DaLana Kron (sophomore, West Branch) led the team with 14 digs.
“Once DaLana got warmed up, she made some great plays for us,” Czipri said.
Ruth Hruska-Kelley (freshman, Brookfield, Ill., Riverside-Brookfield HS) only played the third set, but the outside hitter had four kills in five attempts.
“Ruth did a fantastic job of coming off the bench cold and producing some needed offense for us,” Czipri said.
Wartburg College (9-8, 2-1 conference) awaits the Dutch Saturday at 3 p.m. in Waverly.
“Our conference is way too competitive to just come in and expect things to work in our favor,” Czipri said. “We are hopeful tomorrow we bring a stronger mental focus and execute what we need to do to win.”
