Dutch volleyball wins third straight match

PELLA—The Central College volleyball team evened its season record at 4-4 by beating Grinnell College 25-22, 21-25, 25-16, 15-25, 15-8 Tuesday night.

“I have so much respect for Grinnell’s team,” coach Jeanne Czipri said. “They play smart volleyball and we’re grateful for the opportunity to be challenged by a great team.”

Serving played a key part in the contest as Central had 13 aces compared to six for Grinnell. It was the first time Central had double-digit aces this season. The Pioneers committed 16 service errors as compared to 11 for the Dutch.

“We’ve been working on being more aggressive behind the service line,” Czipri said. “We still had too many errors but we’re getting our opponent out of system and putting our defensive in a better spot.”

Outside hitter Krissa Larson (senior, Waverly, Waverly-Shell Rock HS) had double-digit kills for the third straight game and fifth time this season, notching 13.

Playing in the same spot of Central’s 6-2 rotation, outside hittters Ruth Hruska (senior, Brookfield, Riverside-Brookfield HS) and Gracie Pierson (freshman, Lake City, Minn.) each had seven kills.

Hallie Uhlig (senior, middle hitter, Colorado Springs, Colo., Palmer Ridge HS) had five blocks and five kills and Rachel Pella (junior, middle hitter, Kansas City, Mo., Park Hill HS) had three blocks and six kills.

Libero Landry Luhring (senior, Grundy Center) and defensive specialist Becca Vala (freshman, Omaha. Neb., Elkhorn HS) had 20 and 13 digs, respectively. Amanda Smith (junior, setter, Tipton) had 26 assists.

The Dutch play three matches at the Millikin Invitational this weekend, starting with a 5:30 p.m. match against Greenville (Ill.) University on Friday.

“We’ve got to show up and play clean volleyball,” Czipri said. “We’ll make adjustments and play to win.”