Point Lookout, Mo. – The Central Methodist University volleyball team closed out play Saturday at the Chick-fil-a Classic, hosted by the College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri. The Eagles defeated Kentucky Christian University 3-0, and then defeated Fisk University 3-0. Central closed out play with a perfect 4-0 record at the Chick-fil-a Classic.
With the victories Saturday, Central Methodist improves to 20-3 on the season. Central has now won nine straight matches, and dropped just one set this entire week in their five matches. CMU finished the 2015 season with 26 wins, and are well on their way of surpassing that mark here in 2016.
"I am really proud of the team and how they played together this weekend," said CMU head volleyball coach Allison Jones-Olson. "They stayed focused and aggressive throughout all four matches. We need to carry this momentum moving forward into our next two conference games against Avila and Missouri Valley."
In the first match on Saturday, Central Methodist got off to a quick start against Kentucky Christian, taking the first set 25-13; while finishing with a .243 hitting percentage. CMU would improve in the second set, outscoring Kentucky Christian 25-15, while outhitting the Knights .438 to .171.
The third set, was the closest of the match, but Central still finished with a 25-21 win, to claim a straight sets victory.
Individually for CMU, Darcy Latham (JR/Bismark, Mo.) led the team with 11 kills, while Erin Dodd (SR/Pittsburg, Ill.) finished with a team high 21 digs. Caitlin Petty (SO/Leopold, Mo.) set the pace for the Eagles, with 17 assists in the match.
The second match of the day, had CMU squaring off with winless Fisk University. The Eagles won their final match of the day with ease. Central scored the final nine points in the first set, to claim the 25-7 victory. CMU held Fisk University to a .043 hitting percentage for the match, while the Eagles hit .378.
CMU hit a tournament best, .579 in the first set against Fisk University. Individually, the Eagles were led by Kylie Limback (FR/Waverly, Mo.)'s 10 kills, while Katelyn Waddell (SR/Loveland, Colo.) led CMU with 10 digs. Caitlin Petty finished with a team high 20 assists, and Samantha Reed (SO/Westfield, Ind.) chimed in with 13 assists as well.
The Eagles return home this Tuesday, to host Avila University in a Heart of America Athletic Conference game, beginning at 7pm inside of Puckett Field House.
For more information about Central Methodist University athletics, visit http://www.cmueagles.com. Follow CMU athletics on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cmathletics and on Twitter twitter.com/cmueagles.
