Two victories for Central volleyball program
PORTLAND, ORE.— The Central College volleyball team broke even on its west coast trip by bagging two wins on the final day of the Oregon Trail Classic against Linfeld College (Ore.) and Lewis & Clark College (Ore.).
After being defeated twice on Friday, Central took down Linfield 25-16, 25-19, 25-22 in the first match of the day. Natalie Gaszynski (freshman, Huntley, Ill.), Ruth Hruska-Kelly (sophomore, Brookfield, Ill. Riverside-Brookfield HS) and Erin Dilger (senior, Tinley Park, Ill. Lincoln Way-North HS) each had seven kills.
“All of our pin hitters did a great job of making great decisions,” coach Jeanne Czipri said. “Defensively, we did some great things to keep the play alive and find a way to finish the rally.”
Gaszynski doubled up with 15 kills in the second match as Central beat the Pioneers 23-25, 26-24, 25-22, 25-21. Adding 11 digs, she recorded her first collegiate double-double. Dilger (14) and Krissa Larson (sophomore, Waverly, Waverly-Shell Rock HS) (10) had double-digit kills as well.
“In the Lewis & Clark match, we had some moments of ebbs and flows,” Czipri said. “We were even down in a set or two but found a way to stay steady, keep battling and make small adjustments.”
At setter, Amanda Smith (freshman, Tipton) had 36 assists on the day, including 24 in the second match. Libero Landry Luhring (sophomore, Grundy Center) had 21 digs against Lewis & Clark.
Central (2-2) will play in a tournament at Macalaster College in St. Paul, Minnesota next weekend.
“We are really grateful for the competitive matches all weekend and each team pushing our limits in different ways,” Czipri said. “We grew and really learned a great deal this weekend.”
