FAYETTE, Mo. - Central Methodist improved its record to 14-7 Tuesday night, topping Haskell Indian Nations (Kan.) in straight sets. The Eagles did not run away with any of the three games, winning by scores of 25-21, 25-21 and 26-24, but made the plays necessary down the stretch to come up with the wins.

"We hit really aggressively," said head coach Allison Jones-Olson. "We came out, we placed the ball, we moved it around."

Jordan Jackson Julia Weber paced the Eagles in the kills category, recording 15 and 11, respectively. Haley Willis, in her first game at the libero position, led Central Methodist with 16 digs. Christine Koepke assisted 22 times. Melody Hanson finished with 19 assists.

Trailing 20-19 in the first set, Weber provided a crucial kill to tie the score. That play was followed up by an athletic Willis dig which led to the kill that gave the Eagles a lead they would not relinquish.

The Eagles got off to a good start in set number two, as Jenifer Long opened the scoring with a service ace, but several errors allowed the Indians to take a 12-10 lead. They were not able to maintain that advantage however, as an error by Tiffany Runs Through touched off a 10-3 Central Methodist run. Haskell Indian Nations (4-17) made it close, but the Eagles were able to hold on to take the set.

Haskell Indian Nations jumped out to a lead over the Eagles in the final set, leading for much of the way. With the score 18-14 in favor of the Indians, a kill by Katie Dozier ignited a run of five straight Eagle points. The Indians responded with a 3-0 run of their own, but Central Methodist battled back to take the lead, winning the set and the match on a Haskell Indian Nations' attack error.

"We felt we connected well with our middle hitters tonight," Jones-Olson said, again emphasizing that her team's aggressive hitting was the primary factor in the win. "When we got them the ball, they hit really well."

The Eagles next challenge comes Saturday, Oct. 5, when Peru State (Neb.) visits Puckett Fieldhouse for the teams' second matchup this season. Central Methodist defeated Peru State 3-2 on September 20 in a non-conference match.

"It's going to be a challenge," said Jones-Olson. "We served aggressively that game (Sept. 20) and we blocked well. Hopefully we'll be able to do those things again."