Dutch volleyball team extends winning streak to six
LA CROSSE, WIS. – The Central College volleyball team stayed hot with wins over Martin Luther College (Minn.) and St. Mary’s University (Minn.) Friday at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse tournament.
After going 4-0 last week, Central made it six wins in a row Friday night. The Dutch started with a 25-14, 25-19, 25-20 win over Martin Luther (3-9) before defeating Saint Mary’s (8-6) 25-16, 25-15, 13-25, 28-26.
Against St. Mary’s, Gracie Pierson (senior, Lake City, Minn.) had a season-high 14 kills to lead the Dutch. Avery Rexroat (junior, Macomb, Ill.) paced the squad with 23 assists. Rexroat, Paige Sexton (sophomore, Sheridan, Ill, Serena HS) and Kaitlyn Mumm (sophomore, Waukee, Des Moines Christian HS) all had three service aces. Mumm had six block assists and Colleen Kenney (junior, Talor Ridge, Ill., Rock Island Alleman HS) had 21 digs.
“I thought we came out in the first set two sets and did some really nice things,” coach Jeanne Czipri said. “Even though our passing wasn’t as strong as it normally as it is. The third set we just got a little unsettled and we had to fight a bit to get it turned around in the fourth.”
Kenney led Central with 12 digs and five service aces against Martin Luther. Mumm and Emma Wagler (senior, Des Moines, Roosevelt HS) each had three blocks. Rexroat once again led the way with 14 assists. Landry Pacha (sophomore, Wellman, Mid-Prairie HS) had a team-high eight kills.
“We made some tweaks that we had to work through,” Czipri said. “But we played well enough to get the result.”
Central wraps up its appearance at the Wis.-La Crosse Invitational with a match against the home team at 9 a.m. Saturday.
“We’re seeing some improvements in areas and also still plenty to clean up,” Czipri said. “We’re eager for a tough opponent tomorrow.”
