Fayette, Mo. - The No. 20 Central Methodist Volleyball program continues to cruise in conference action, completing a three-set sweep over Heart North Division foe Clarke University by scores of 25-15, 25-12, and 25-13 Friday night inside Puckett Field House. 

With the win, Central improves to 10-5 overall and 4-1 in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. The Pride fall to 3-14 and 2-4 in conference action. 

Both sides started the match out even, as the score was tied at 9-9 through the first 18 points. Central found its offensive rhythm shortly after, outscoring the Pride 14-6 to claim set one. 

Set two saw the Eagles jump out in front quickly and never looked back. Central's defense held Clarke to .031 hitting in the frame, compared to a match-high .455 for the Eagles. 

The third and final set was more of the same for CMU, as the Eagles finished with 17 kills and a .438 hitting percentage to cruise to the finish line. 

Senior Callie Henson led Central's offense with 12 kills on 17 swings for a .706 hitting percentage. She also added three blocks in the win. Junior setter Gabi Owczarek dished out a match-high 24 assists while Ryleigh McBurney tallied 13. Owczarek's 10th assist of the night put her at 1,000 for her career in just two and a half seasons with the Eagles. 

The duo of Krystal Brauner and Annabelle Maassen each finished the night with 11 digs. Senior Delaney Miller was a force at the net, racking up a season-high eight blocks, the second-highest total of her career. 

Central remains at home to host Mount Mercy University Saturday, Sept. 23 at 11:00 a.m. inside Puckett Field House. 

(Photo by TDM)