PELLA, Iowa – In its fifth five-set match of the season, Nebraska Wesleyan fell to Central, 24-26, 23-25, 26-24, 25-23, 11-15, Friday night at P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium.
Central (14-11, 1-4 A-R-C) defeated the Prairie Wolves for the third consecutive time.
Middle blocker Ella Foote contributed across the stat sheet, finishing with nine kills, two service aces, four digs and six blocks.
Outside hitter Macy Plucker reached double-digit kills for the sixth consecutive match. The sophomore recorded her seventh double-double of the season with 19 kills and 13 digs, adding a block and a service ace.
Nebraska Wesleyan recorded more than 10 blocks for just the third time this season and held a 9-8 advantage in service aces.
Setter Saathoff finished with 48 assists and 13 digs, while libero Greyson Piening collected 28 digs and an assist.
Junior middle blocker Mikyna Stoppkotte added nine kills on a .333 hitting percentage and three blocks. Senior right-side hitter Molly Ramirez also made an impact, recording 10 kills and a career-high 23 digs to go with four blocks.
Outside hitter Jera Schuerman added 10 kills, six digs, a service ace and an assist. Defensive specialist Grace Dehmer contributed 10 digs.
Central was led by Kaitlyn Mumm, who recorded 19 kills on .581 hitting and four blocks.
The Prairie Wolves return to action Saturday, traveling to Indianola to face A-R-C opponent Simpson at 1 p.m. With conference tournament positioning on the line, Nebraska Wesleyan will look to bounce back against the Storm.
