PELLA, Iowa (November 11, 2025) – The fifth-seeded Nebraska Wesleyan volleyball team saw its 2025 campaign come to a close Tuesday night, falling 3-0 (25-13, 25-19, 25-19) to fourth-seeded Central College in the American Rivers Conference Quarterfinals at P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium.
Nebraska Wesleyan (17-10, 4-4 A-R-C) battled throughout but couldn't overcome a hot-hitting Dutch squad that posted a .204 team attacking percentage and controlled the match from start to finish. The loss ends another strong season for the Prairie Wolves, who reached the conference tournament for the fourth consecutive year under head coach Rayna Cain.
How It Happened
Central set the tone early in the opening frame, jumping out to a quick lead behind its balanced front line and steady serving. Despite kills from Ella Foote and Macy Plucker, the Prairie Wolves couldn't find a rhythm offensively and dropped the set 25-13.
The second set was the closest of the night, as Nebraska Wesleyan matched Central point-for-point early. Molly Ramirez and Foote provided the offensive spark with timely swings, and the Prairie Wolves trailed just 22-19 before the Dutch closed on a 3-0 run to take the set 25-19.
Nebraska Wesleyan showed fight in the third, clawing back from an early deficit to pull within 14-12 midway through the frame. Three service aces from Plucker and steady setting by Elecea Saathoff kept the Prairie Wolves in it, but another late surge from Central sealed the match and advanced the Dutch to the semifinals.
Inside the Box Score
- Ella Foote led the Prairie Wolves with six kills on 12 attempts (.250).
- Molly Ramirez also finished with six kills.
- Elecea Saathoff paced the offense with 18 assists and added nine digs.
- Libero Raegan Holle collected a team-high 10 digs on the night.
- As a team, Nebraska Wesleyan tallied 25 kills, 42 digs, and four service aces, hitting .048 in the match.
Season Recap
The loss closes the book on another successful season for the Prairie Wolves, who posted a 17-9 regular season record and continued their streak of postseason appearances under Cain. Nebraska Wesleyan has now recorded four straight 17-win seasons while remaining one of the most consistent programs in the American Rivers Conference.
