DECORAH, Iowa — The Luther volleyball team played the first ever game on the Birkestrand Family Court in the Gerdin Fieldhouse on Saturday. Luther (6-20, 0-5 A-R-C) was defeated by Central (18-7, 3-2 A-R-C) in straight sets 19-25, 25-27, 19-25. The Norse won the opening point with a kill from Ruby Gerhard.

Down by one set, Luther held a 20-17 lead late in the second set. The Dutch rallied to have their first set point at 24-23 but a kill from Jenna Langen and block from Julianne Lundvall and Natalie Crandall put the Norse back out in front with set point (25-24). Central was able to hold off Luther to take the second set 27-25. 

During the third set the the score was tied 10 times and there were four lead changes. The Dutch attack had 14 kills as they defeated the Norse in straight sets. 

Lindsay Hanson led the offense with 10 kills and a .350 hitting percentage. Jenna Langen had nine digs. Azaria McDonough recorded 12 assists. 

Luther will take the court again on Friday, Oct. 31 at Nebraska Wesleyan. The match starts at 6 p.m. in Lincoln, Neb.