Winning streak continues for Dutch volleyball squad

Central Dutch Athletics

MILWAUKEE, WIS.—The Central College volleyball team completed an undefeated run through the Milwaukee School of Engineering Invitational Saturday by beating Maranatha Baptist University (Wis.) 12-25, 25-20, 17-25, 25-15, 15-10 and Beloit College (Wis.) 25-14, 26-24, 25-15.

Coming off a pair of wins Friday, the Dutch (4-5) were able to double their season win total and run their streak of victories to four.

“I’m very pleased we were able to find a win today and finish the weekend 4-0,” coach Jeanne Czipri said. “It was good to get some wins under our belt this weekend.”

Against the Sabercats (5-5), Central started slow but rebounded to win the last two sets of the match. Chapel Carter (junior, Coronado Springs, Colo., Coronado) had a season-high 34 assists. Brooke Caves (sophomore, Oskaloosa) tallied 24 digs while Jenna Dille (senior, Carlisle) had four blocks and 10 kills.

“Maranatha played a very different style and tempo then we are used to,” Czipri said. “They really challenged our hitters to be crafty and our defense to be balanced.”

In a three-game sweep of the Bucaneers (3-6), Kylie Gerstein (senior, Iowa Falls, Iowa Falls-Alden HS) had her second double-double of the day with 11 kills and 14 digs. Regan Nelson (senior, Pella) recorded three service aces.

“Beloit gave us some different things offensively that we needed to work through as a group,” Czipri said.

Both Dille and Gerstein were named to the eight-player all-tournament team for their performance throughout the weekend.

Czipri will make her P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium debut Tuesday, hosting Iowa Conference rival Simpson College at 7:30 p.m. The first-year head coach is ready for the opportunity.

“After two longer trips the last two weekends, we are beyond excited to play at home this week.” she said.