Dutch take four-set volleyball victory

PELLA — The Central College volleyball team honored its five seniors with a 27-25, 22-25, 25-21, 25-20 victory over Graceland University Tuesday night.

The Dutch (16-11) closed out their home slate by beating the Yellow Jackets (10-22).

All five of Central’s seniors were in the starting lineup including Courtney Comstock (Richland, Pekin HS) making her first career start. Defensive specialist Brooke Caves (Oskaloosa), middle hitter Hana Edgerton (Grundy Center), outside hitter Kristin Fick (North Aurora, Ill., West Aurora HS) and right side hitter Erin Dilger (Tinley Park, Ill., Lincoln Way North HS) were also honored.

“We had a lot of fun,” coach Jeanne Czipri said. “It was cool to see our team compete hard and make adjustments throughout the match. I liked our vibe tonight. The seniors have worked really hard to keep moving this program in the right direction and we’re getting there.”

Central got another dynamic hitting performance from sophomore outside hitter Krissa Larson (Waverly, Waverly-Shell Rock HS). She had 11 kills and a .455 hitting percentage.

“I don’t feel like we got her the ball near enough because she was taking some really good swings,” Czipri said. “We were pretty balanced which opened up things for her a little bit.”

Setter Alyssa Lewton (sophomore, Ankeny, Centennial HS) nabbed her second double-double of the year with 21 assists and 10 digs.

Libero Landry Luhring (sophomore, Grundy Center) led the team with 22 digs but middle hitter Kayleigh Fite (junior, Florissant, Mo., Trinity Catholic HS) impressed with 16.

“Kayleigh is a passer we have a lot of faith in,” Czipri said. “She makes really good defensive reads and she’s athletic.”

Central is in Rock Island, Illinois Friday night for a neutral-site contest against Monmouth College (Ill.) at 7 p.m.

“I’m proud of the progress we’ve made,” Czipri said. “We have a lot of room to improve still, but I’m happy with the work we’ve done.