Playing before a full crowd at P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium for the first time since 2019, the Central College volleyball team rode the energy to a sweep over the University of Minnesota – Morris 25-23, 25-17, 25-19 on Friday night. The Dutch (1-2) were dominant in all three sets against the Cougars (1-2). They notched 14 kills and a .200 hitting percentage in each set.

Krissa Larson led the way with 13 kills. Freshman Gracie Pierson and junior Rachel Pella had nine and eight kills, respectively.

Central has two more matches at home today, battling Wis.-Platteville at 11 a.m. and Wis.-Stout at 3 p.m.

The Central cross country teams began their seasons Friday, hosting the Central Dutch Invitational against Grinnell and Indian Hills. The Dutch men placed first with 21 points, with Noah Jorgenson, Will DeHaan, Caleb Silver and Randy Jimenez finishing first through fourth. The women placed first with a score of 21. Megan Johnson and Caroline McMartin finished first and second, while Addy Parrott came in fifth. Central returns to action next Saturday at Grinnell.

Several events are on the schedule today. Men’s golf is at Transylvania while the women are at Luther. Women’s triathlon is at a regional qualifier in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, while women’s tennis is at Coe. The soccer teams round out the day. The men host Grinnell while the women host Ripon.