The No. 8 nationally ranked Park University women's volleyball team had an NAIA Top 25 match in Fayette, Mo. against No. 20 Central Methodist University on Tuesday, defeating the Eagles 25-23, 25-22, 13-25, 25-19.

Coming into the match, the Eagles only had one loss in Heart of America Athletic Conference play, while the Pirates were undefeated in conference play. After the win, Park moves to 12-2 and 6-0 in conference games, while Central Methodist sits at 11-6 and 5-2 of the same.

The Pirates had a good set one to begin the match with 17 kills and their second highest hitting percentage at .286. Central Methodist had a lead in the first two points, but the Pirates rattled off four points in a row to claim a 4-2 lead. The lead stayed with Park the remainder of the set. A four-point rally by the Eagles brought the match to 24-23, but Izabella Ceratti came in with the match point kill, 25-23.

The lead only changed hands three times in the second set. Central Methodist took an 11-10 lead, but the Pirates were quick to respond and grew the lead to as much as six in the set at 23-17. The Eagles came on strong again in the second set towards the end, but Park held on 25-22.

The third set was an impressive showing for the Eagles, as a seven-point run gave them the 14-5 lead. They had their highest hitting percentage of .350 in the third set and led by as much as 12 for the win, 25-13.

The final set was a good response by Park as they hit .433 on 15 kills on 30 attacks with only two errors. Malaina Hensley led the offense with 12 kills in the match, but thundered down six kills in the final set. Hensley had a strong performance last year at Central Methodist as well with 19 kills in a five set match with the Eagles. It was tied 10-10 in the final set when Park scored five unanswered points. They kept the intensity up and stiff armed a would be comeback from the Eagles, earning the match victory at 25-19.

Barbara Almeida and Debora Bernardi were also in double-digit kills at 11 and 10, respectively, while Grecia Ung and Izabella Ceratti had significant contributions to with nine kills apiece.
Irene Verdino and Ung led the Pirates with 16 and 14 digs.

Arianna Marino has been as consistent as you can ask from a freshman and she collected 41 assists and seven digs.

The Pirates have their Homecoming match on Friday at 7pm against Baker University in Breckon Sports Center. WATCH HERE

Box Score