Mason, Nelson have career-nights for Central volleyball team

Central Dutch Athletics

PELLA — Friday night team records didn’t matter. It was a classic Iowa Conference volleyball battle between Central College and Wartburg College.

Central (9-19 overall, 1-5 conference) went punch-for-punch with league champion Wartburg (18-5 overall, 6-0 conference) before falling 23-25, 25-23, 23-25, 25-11, 16-14. The Dutch had the Knights on their heels after the third set but were unable to take another set.

“That performance was the expectation that I’ve had from them all year and knew that they were capable of,” said coach Jeanne Czipri. “Grit and competitiveness are two of our covenants and to see them produce that for all five sets tonight was great. I’m a very happy coach.”

Senior hitter Mollie Mason (Iowa City, West HS) posted a career-high 27 digs and had 12 kills, while senior setter Regan Nelson (Pella) had a career-best 44 assists in the five-set loss.

Senior hitters Kylie Gerstein (Iowa Falls, Iowa Falls-Alden HS) and Jenna Dille (Carlisle) had 14 and 12 kills, respectively. Dille added six blocks and two aces as well.

“I was so proud of our seniors tonight,” said Czipri. “We have been talking about letting it all go and tonight they did that.”

The Dutch play their final home match of the season Saturday afternoon at 12:30. Luther College heads to P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium for its final league match. Luther enters the match 14-9 overall and 4-2 in conference after a 25-23, 25-20, 25-17 victory over Simpson College Friday night.

Central will celebrate its seven seniors Saturday afternoon. Live stats and video can be found at athletics.central.edu.