Dutch sweep Cobbers in home volleyball tournament finale

PELLA – The Central College volleyball team finished its home tournament with a 2-2 record after splitting another pair of matches Saturday.

The Dutch took down Concordia College – Moorhead (Minn.) via a sweep (25-14, 26-25, 25-10) in the nightcap following a 3-1 loss (26-24, 25-22, 23-25, 25-21) to Fontbonne University (Mo.) in the opener. Central also split a pair of matches on Friday in a similar fashion.

“I’m grateful for an opening weekend that taught us a lot,” coach Jeanne Czipri said. “Obviously, would have to finish the weekend better overall but we have some good things to build on.”

Outside hitter Gracie Pierson (senior, Lake City, Minn.) had her first double-double of the year with 10 kills and 12 digs in the win over the Cobbers. Outside hitter Paige Sexton (sophomore, Sheridan, Ill., Serena HS) had a career high seven service aces to go with eight kills. Setters Avery Rexroat (junior, Macomb, Ill.) and Makayla Ribble (junior, Iowa City) each had 14 assists.

Libero Colleen Kenney (junior, Taylor Ridge, Ill., Rock Island Alleman HS) had 14 digs and middle hitter Kaitlyn Mumm (sophomore, Waukee, Des Moines Christian) was in on five blocks.

Landry Pacha (Wellman, Iowa, Mid-Prairie HS) had 14 kills in a losing effort in the opener. She added seven more against Concordia while finishing with a .425 attack percentage.

Central ventures to Lamoni Tuesday for a non-conference clash at Graceland University starting at 7:30 p.m. A weekend trip to a tournament in Green Bay, Wisconsin will follow.

“I’m pleased with how responded after our loss,” Czipri said. “Hopefully we can start the week strong and maintain better throughout the week and weekend.”