Fayette, Mo. – The Central Methodist University volleyball team; whom are currently receiving votes in the latest NAIA Coaches' Top 25 Poll, defeated the Evangel University Crusaders on Thursday evening, by a final of 3-0. Final scores were: 25-20, 25-21, and 25-21.
With the victory, the Eagles improve to 34-3 overall and remain in first place in the Heart of America Athletic Conference with a record of 10-0. Central has now won a program record, 23 straight matches. With the loss, Evangel falls to 17-12 overall and 5-5 in The Heart.
The Eagles looked to avenge their postseason loss to the Crusaders from last season, and Central did just that Thursday evening. The two teams exchanged points up to 10-10. From that point on, Central went on a 7-1 run. Evangel would then go on a run of their own, but in the end Central came out victorious 25-20.
The second and third sets were both very similar to the first. Both squads went on runs, and then the other would respond. Central was tested all evening by the Crusaders, but held on to win the next two sets 25-21 and 25-21 to complete the sweep of Evangel.
Darcy Latham (JR/Bismark, Mo.) led the Eagles with 11 kills, while Kylie Limback (FR/Waverly, Mo.) and Marina Alves (SO/Belo Horizonte, Brazil) both chimed in with 10 kills apiece. Caitlin Petty (SO/Leopold, Mo.) led CMU with 34 assists, and Erin Dodd (SR/Pittsburg, Ill.) led the Eagles with 23 digs.
Prior to the game, CMU honored their four seniors who were playing in their final home regular season game at Puckett Field House. They are Katelyn Waddell (SR/Loveland, Colo.), Melody Hanson (SR/Spring Hill, Kan.), Victoria Coleman-Wilson (SR/Grandview, Mo.), and Erin Dodd.
The Eagles close out the regular season with three road matches, beginning next week. Central will face 11th ranked Grand View University next Tuesday, and then close out the regular season with matches at Benedictine College and at 13th ranked MidAmerica Nazarene University.
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.
