Megan Kouba Sept. 27, 2008

Central earns weekend split

PELLA—The Central College volleyball team came away from day two of the Central Classic with another split, losing to No. 17 Hope College (Mich.) 25-14, 18-25, 25-21, 25-18 in the morning, and defeating Wis.-River Falls 25-16, 25-20, 25-15 in its afternoon match. After splitting their first two matches on Friday night, the Dutch (7-9) finished the weekend 2-2, with both losses coming to nationally ranked opponents.

“I think this was a great field, and there were a lot of evenly matched teams,” said Central coach Kent Clayberg. “I don’t think it’s unrealistic to think that we could have come out of the weekend 4-0.”

Against Hope setter Megan Callahan (senior, Dubuque, Wahlert) recorded 23 assists and libero Maggie Nowicki (senior, Madison, Wis., Edgewood) had 22 digs to lead the Dutch.

Central spread things out a bit more in the second match, with outside hitter Miranda Kouba (senior, Dubuque, Wahlert) leading the way with seven kills and Callahan posting 17 more assists.

“We’re beginning to develop faith in ourselves and our physical abilities,” said Clayber.

Saturday’s matches also gave Clayberg a chance to look at his younger players, including freshman middle hitter Haley Brillhart (Pella) and freshman setter Maggie Snyder (Alexandria, Minn., Jefferson HS).

“I’m excited about our young kids,” Clayberg said. “We’ve got a great freshman class. The more time we can get them in situations like this, the better. They’re going to be outstanding and their development in practice will make us sharper.”

Central (7-9 overall, 1-1 conference) travels to Decorah Wednesday to take on Iowa Conference opponent Luther College (12-3 overall, 1-2 conference) at 7:30 p.m. The Dutch beat Luther in four games a year ago.