Fayette, Mo. - In a battle for first place in the Heart of America Regular Season standings, the No. 21 nationally ranked Central Methodist Volleyball program squared off against No. 25 Benedictine College Friday night inside a packed Puckett Field House. 

The Eagles fell in a heartbreaker to the Ravens by scores of 21-25, 25-18, 25-19, 25-27, and 11-15.

Central now stands at 16-5 and 5-2 in the Heart of America, while the Ravens improve to 15-3 and 6-0 in conference action. 

After falling in the first set, the Eagles rattled off back-to-back wins in sets two and three. Looking to close the match out in set four, the Eagles had match point at 24-21. But Benedictine rattled off three straight points to tie the set at 24-24.

The Ravens ultimately won the set 27-25, before sealing the win in set five over CMU, 15-11. 

Junior Joana Milho led Central's offense with 23 kills for a .224 hitting percentage. She also tallied 10 digs to secure a double double. Super senior Annabelle Maassen added 10 kills and 15 digs to join Milho in the double double club. Additionally, the Jefferson City native picked up three service aces and a pair of blocks. 

Senior Lauren Strange followed with eight kills while Mia Trankler added seven and Martina Gonzato six. 

Three different Eagles dished out double-digit assists, led by Giulia Gainelli with 24, Gabi Owczarek 22 and Rita Campos 10. Additionally, Gainelli and Campos landed in the double double club with 22 and 29 digs respectively. 

Freshman Kyndra Collier finished with three kills while registering a team high seven blocks. 

The Eagles remain at home to host No. 17 Park University Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 7:00 p.m. inside Puckett Field House. 

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