October 18, 2014 2:45 pm • By The Telegram Staff
COLUMBUS -- The Raiders started their final regular season week in dominating fashion.
The National Junior College Athletic Association Division II, No. 2 Central Community College volleyball team swept Southwestern Community College 25-10, 25-13, 25-9 Friday at the Raider Fieldhouse.
"It was a crisp match and it was a good match to try some new things and take some risks," Central head coach Mary Young said.
Every player on the roster found playing time Friday, which was big in building depth for the Raiders.
Morgan Nikkila led the balanced-offensive attack, recording eight kills.
"Morgan had some nice swings (Friday)," Young said. "She's taking more risks and that's what we've worked on with her."
Skyler Erickson added seven kills, Makayla Augustine had six, and Payton Chohon and Keely Woods each recorded five.
Molly Gotschall had a team-high seven digs.
Cassidy Yong tallied 26 assists and Brooke Robertson had 13.
"It was nice to give Cassidy a little break and we certainly want to keep Brooke in the mix," Young said. "She did a nice job for us."
Central hosts Northeast Community College Thursday, before traveling to NJCAA Division I, No. 1, Iowa Western Oct. 24.
Thursday's home finale against Northeast is Dig Pink night at the Raider Fieldhouse.
"We want to really to out with a bang on our home court Thursday and hopefully that springs us into Friday at Iowa Western," Young said.
Central finishes up the regular season against the top-ranked junior college team on the road. That's no coincidence, Young said.
"We wanted to end the regular season there," she said. "That will prepare us for our end of the year matches, so hopefully we improve at the end of the year. It's a big week for us. We'll be coming off fall break, so hopefully we'll be rested and rejuvenated and be ready to play our best volleyball."
Friday at the Raider Fieldhouse
Southwestern 10 13 9
Central (28-5) 25 25 25
* KILLS: Central - Morgan Nikkila 8, Skyler Erickson 7, Makayla Augustine 6, Payton Chohon 5, Keely Woods 5.
* BLOCKS: Central - Erickson 1, Hillary Thege 1.
* ACE SERVES: Central - Shayla Trotter 1, Molly Gotschall 1, Erickson 1.
* ASSISTS: Central - Cassidy Yong 26, Brooke Robertson 13.
* DIGS: Central - Gotschall 7.