Fayette, Mo. – The Central Methodist University volleyball team; whom are currently receiving votes in the latest NAIA Coaches' Top 25 Poll, continued to rewrite the record books on Tuesday evening. The Eagles defeated Baker University 3-1 inside of Puckett Field House, to claim their 33rd victory of the season.
With the victory, this 2016 Central Methodist squad have now won the most matches in a season in school history. The previous high was 32, set back in 1979, when Central went 32-5 overall and won conference. This year's squad has now won 22 straight matches; also a new program record, and improve to 33-3 overall and 9-0 in Heart of America Athletic Conference play. With the loss, Baker University falls to 8-16 overall and 5-4 in The Heart.
The Baker Wildcats gave the Eagles everything they could handle and more on Tuesday evening. It was a back-and-forth battle all evening between these two squads. Central was able to get a run late in the first set, to hold off Baker 27-25.
In the second set, Baker struck the ball better than CMU, finishing with a .265 hitting percentage, while the Eagles hit just .140. The Wildcats claimed set two by a final of 25-23.
Following the loss in the second set, the Eagles came out fired up and ready to go in the third and fourth set. Central won the third set 25-19, and claimed the fourth and final set 25-20.
Central was led by Darcy Latham (JR/Bismark, Mo.), who finished with a team high 18 kills. Caitlin Petty (SO/Leopold, Mo.) led CMU with 48 assists, while Erin Dodd (SR/Pittsburg, Ill.) finished with a team high 37 assists.
The Eagles will celebrate Senior Night during their home finale this Thursday evening against Evangel University at 7pm. CMU will then hit the road for their final three regular season matches, before beginning play in the Heart's Postseason Tournament.
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.
