Sioux City, Iowa - The Central Methodist Volleyball program dropped a five-set thriller to Dordt University by scores of 28-30, 25-20, 20-25, 25-22, and 9-15 in their opening match of pool play at the NAIA Volleyball National Championship Tuesday afternoon in Sioux City, Iowa. 

With the defeat, Central falls 29-8 on the season while the Defenders improve to 19-10. 

After a close first set that saw the Defenders come out on top 30-28, the Eagles bounced back with a convincing 25-20 win in set two to even the match at 1-1. Both teams exchaged victories in the next two sets, sending the match to a fifth and final set. 

Dordt jumped out front with an 8-2 run in the first 10 points of the final frame and never looked back. Despite Central trimming the lead to 10-6, the Defenders pulled away in the final five points to claim a 15-9 set five victory to earn a 3-2 match victory. 

Callie Henson led the offense with 16 kills, while Jordan Wolfe added 13 and Delaney Miller 12. Annabelle Maassen finished the evening with eight kills while the trio of Rebecca Neighbors, Sydney Healy and Hannah Marcee each added five. 

Marina Alonso led the setters with a team-high 19 assists followed by Gabi Owczarek with 16 and Yenne Schepers with 15. Krystal Brauner tallied a team-high 24 digs paired with a service ace. Shea Luby followed with 11 digs to also reach double figures while Maassen collected nine. Maassen also finished the afternoon with a match-high five service aces. 

The Eagles continue pool play with a matchup against Missouri Baptist Wednesday, Dec. 1 at 10:30 a.m. Central will need a win to advance in the tournament. 

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