Volleyball splits at Lakeland triangular
Central Dutch Athletics
PLYMOUTH, WIS. — Starting the day with a sweep of Finlandia University (Mich.), the Central College volleyball battled through a four-set loss in the nightcap to Lakeland University on Saturday.
The Dutch (11-14) took down the Lions (4-18) in straight sets, winning 25-14, 25-20, 25-15.
The Muskies (17-7) pulled out a 25-17, 25-27, 25-20, 29-27 triumph over Central.
Against Finlandia, 10 different Dutch players recorded at least one kill. Middle hitter Hana Edgerton (junior, Grundy Center) and outside hitter Krissa Larson (freshman, Waverly, Waverly-Shell Rock HS) had seven kills apiece while outside hitter Landry Luhring (freshman, Grundy Center) and right-side hitter Melissa Miller (senior, Williamsburg) both had six. Edgerton, Larson and Luhring all had hitting percentages over .400.
“We ran a really well-balanced offense that match,” Czipri said. “Having three of our women hitting above .400 is always a good thing.”
Czipri also cited the blocking against Finlandia as Edgerton, Miller and middle hitter Tori Van Velzen (junior, Cumming, Norwalk HS) had four blocks each.
Setter Chapel Carter (senior, Colorado Springs, Coronado HS) had a match-high 21 assistsa nd libero DaLana Kron (sophomore, West Branch) had 11 digs.
Despite the loss against the Muskies, Czipri was encouraged by her team’s effort.
“I was really pleased with how we found a way to compete against a very strong team,” she said. “When this group gets into the right head space for a whole match, we can do some fantastic things.”
Against Lakeland, right-side hitter Erin Dilger (junior, Tinley Park, Ill., Lincoln Way North HS) had a team-high 15 kills. Carter had 20 assists and Luhring had 23 digs.
A streak of three American Rivers Conference matches at home inside P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium starts Friday night at 7:30 p.m. against Loras College.
“We are grateful for the opportunities to learn this weekend to help us prepare for our last three conference matches,” Czipri said.
