Marshall, Mo. - The No. 25 Central Methodist Volleyball program opened the 2025 campaign on the first day of the Viking Invitational on Friday in Marshall, Mo. 

Central dropped its first game of the day to Stephens College by scores of 25-18, 25-17, and 25-23. 

CMU bounced back with a three-set sweep over Paul Quinn University in the afternoon by scores of 25-13, 25-14, and 25-9. 

In the game against the Stars, Central struggled offensively, hitting just .146 with 15 attack errors. Stephens College, on the other hand, finished with a .286 hitting percentage.

Newcomer Luciana Araujo led the offensive charge for CMU with seven kills, while Joana Milho finished with six. Both Gimena Dezeo and Martina Gonzato chipped in four. 

CMU was much improved in their second game against the Tigers, hitting .464 in set one with 17 kills. Central held Paul Quinn to a negative hitting percentage through the final two sets and closed set three with a .750 hitting percentage. 

Dezeo produced 14 kills on 29 swings, for a .379 hitting percentage. Milho collected a double-double with 11 digs and 10 kills while also picking up a pair of service aces. 

Sophomore Mariah Bostic-Jones dished out 22 assists, recorded five digs, and matched Milho with two service aces. 

The Eagles close out the Invitational with a pair of matches Saturday, August 30, against Central Baptist College (9:00 a.m.) and York (2:00 p.m.).

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