Conference opener goes against Central volleyball squad

PELLA- Starting off the American Rivers Conference schedule against the defending champions from the University of Dubuque spoiled the first match of the league slate for the Central College volleyball team in a 3-0 loss Friday night.

The Spartans (17-4), ranked No. 17 in this week’s American Volleyball Coaches Association national top 25 poll, swept the Dutch (11-7) 25-13, 25-22, 27-25.

After a sluggish first set, Central rallied in the final two sets. Central even totaled more kills and had a better hitting percentage in the third set.

Kaitlyn Mumm (senior, Waukee, Des Moines Christian HS) was a nuisance at the net for the Spartan attack, recording three solo blocks and assisting on two others. The middle hitter added eight kills.

Rachel Bowers (junior, Orion, Ill.) had a team-high 11 kills and Maelyn Wainwright (junior, West Liberty) contributed 10. Grace Corey (Watertown, S.D.) led the team with 18 assists and eight digs. Kinsey Drake had two of the team’s three service aces.

Central travels to Waverly next Friday for a 6 p.m. match against Wartburg College.