Fayette, Mo. - In a highly anticipated rematch of last year's Heart Tournament Championship, the No. 21 Central Methodist Volleyball program took on No. 17 Park University in the Heart Conference Network Game of the Week Tuesday night inside Puckett Field House.
The Eagles knocked off the four-time defending Heart Regular season champions in straight sets by scores of 25-10, 25-17, and 25-11. It marks the first win for CMU over Park since they defeated the Pirates in five sets back on Sept. 12, 2015 in Kansas City.
With the win, the Eagles improve to 17-5 and 6-2 in the Heart of America. Park falls to 13-7 and 3-4 in conference action.
Central made quick work of the Pirates in set one, winning the opener 25-10 on a .357 hitting percentage. Park finished the set hitting -.065. The Eagles opened set two with five consecutive points and stretched their lead to as many as seven midway through the set.
Leading 21-17, CMU would rattle off four consecutive points, highlighted by a kill from senior middle Kelsie Walker to close out the win in set two for the Eagles.
Central saved its best for last, as they hit an even .400 in the third set, racking up 17 kills and just three attack errors.
Graduate and senior captain Annabelle Maassen led the way for the Eagle hitters, registering 11 kills on 23 swings. She also added five digs in the three set sweep.
Sophomore Martina Gonzato joined Maassen in double digit kills with 10 on 17 attempts and just one attack error. Joana Milho tallied seven kills while the trio of Mia Trankler, Gimena Dezeo, and Walker each recorded three.
Freshman setter Giulia Gainelli finished the evening with a double double, tallying 16 assists and 11 digs, leading the way in both categories for the Eagles.
Senior Gabi Owczarek dished out 10 assists while also adding four service aces and three digs. Senior captain Rita Campos recorded nine digs and six assists.
The Eagles currently sit in third place in the Heart of America Regular Season standings after Tuesday's win.
Central will have an opportunity to climb up the standings with a weekend trip to Northern Iowa. CMU will face Clarke University Friday night in Dubuque, Iowa, followed by a Saturday afternoon matchup against Mount Mercy, who is currently second in the regular season standings.
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