Dutch earn volleyball split in Nebraska

Central Dutch Athletics

LINCOLN, NEB. — Playing at the Nebraska Wesleyan Invitational Saturday, the Central College volleyball team swept Johnson & Wales University (Colo.) 3-0 before being swept by the University of Wisconsin – Platteville.

The Dutch (13-5) rebounded from Thursday’s loss against Buena Vista University by defeating the Wildcats (2-13).

“We are still learning how to play smarter, not just harder,” coach Jeanne Czipri said. “This group is doing great things and we are showing growth individually and collectively.”

Outside hitter Ruth Hruska-Kelly (sophomore, Brookfield, Ill., Riverside-Brookfield HS) had eight kills and 10 digs. Making just her third start of the year, outside hitter Kristin Fick (senior, North Aurora, Ill., West Aurora HS) had five kills and nine digs.

In the loss to the Pioneers (13-5), Hruska-Kelly had nine kills and outside hitter Krissa Larson (sophomore, Waverly, Waverly-Shell Rock HS) had eight.

“We still have to learn how to embrace being uncomfortable and make adjustments during the match,” Czipri said.

Libero Landry Luhring (sophomore, Grundy Center) had 24 digs between the two matches and setters Alyssa Lewton (sophomore, Ankeny, Centennial HS) and Amanda Smith (freshman, Tipton) had 29 and 21 assists, respectively.

Central will be back in Lincoln next Thursday for a 7:30 p.m. American Rivers Conference match against the Prairie Wolves.

“We were tested in different ways today,” Czipri said. “We have a lot to use to prepare for Nebraska Wesleyan next week.”