SAINT PAUL, Minn. — The Hamline University women's volleyball team overcame Central College in a thrilling five-set match at Hutton Fieldhouse on Friday night, winning 3-2 (25-27, 25-18, 16-25, 25-20, 15-10).

The Pipers improve to 1-3, while the Dutch fall to 3-3.

Hamline 3, Central 2 (25-27, 25-18, 16-25, 25-20, 15-10)

Hamline engaged in a tightly contested opening set against Central College, ultimately falling 27-25. Despite the loss, Cameryn Sand facilitated the offense effectively, contributing assists on a majority of the team's 14 kills, with Lexi Helmin and Claire Kaups each posting multiple successful attacks. However, a series of critical attack errors and service mishaps in the closing stages allowed the Dutch to capitalize and secure the set victory.

In the second set, Hamline mounted a strong comeback to secure a 25-18 victory over Central, highlighted by Helmin's performance with multiple kills, including a crucial stretch where she scored four consecutive points to break a tie and propel her team ahead. Kaups and Sophia Johnson also contributed significantly with key kills, helping the Pipers recover from an early deficit. Despite Central's early lead and Leslie Snow's offensive efforts, including several kills, Hamline's resilience and effective attack, particularly from Sand's assists, proved decisive in the set's outcome.

The Dutch gained early momentum in the third set with a decisive 25-16 victory over Hamline, capitalizing on strong serving and errors by the home team. Makayla Ribble led the charge for Central with two service aces and assisted on multiple kills, including those by Paige Sexton and Landry Pacha. Hamline showed resilience with contributions from Kaups, who recorded two kills, but struggled to contain Central's offensive pushes, highlighted by several attack errors and service errors that widened the gap.

Hamline clinched the fourth set with a 25-20 victory, capitalizing on Central's errors and their own consistent play. The Dutch committed numerous attack errors, which Hamline exploited, including four from Snow and two from Pacha. Johnson led the charge with multiple kills, while Kayli Starkey delivered two critical service aces. The Pipers' blocking, notably from Helmin, proved decisive in stifling Central's comeback attempts.

Hamline secured a decisive fifth-set victory over Central with a 15-10 score, highlighted by a strong offensive performance. Grace Bathurst and Kaups led the charge with multiple kills each, while Sand provided numerous assists, contributing to the Pipers' effective attack. The Dutch struggled with errors, including service errors and attack errors, which Hamline capitalized upon to maintain their lead throughout the set.

Johnson led the offensive charge for Hamline with 15 kills, contributing significantly to the team's 16 points. Sand was pivotal in playmaking, distributing 46 assists over the match. Kaups recorded 16 kills and added a service ace, totaling 17 points. Mandy Dierks was a defensive standout, collecting 30 digs across five sets.

Snow stood out for Central with 21 kills and 17 digs, leading the team with 21 points. Sexton contributed 15 kills and accumulated 15 points, showcasing her importance in the team's offensive efforts. Meanwhile, Colleen Kenney played a key role in defense, recording 16 digs, while Ribble made her presence felt with 17 assists and three service aces.

The Pipers will return to action at Hutton Arena tomorrow, Saturday, September 6 against UW-Superior at 11 a.m., and Wartburg at 1 p.m.