Kansas Wesleyan volleyball coach Dustin Sahlmann was looking for an opportunity to give his younger players a chance to show what they can do.
He chose the non-conference match against Central Christian on Friday night as the time to do it and was not disappointed. After a sluggish start KWU rolled the rest of the way enroute to a 3-0 (25-23, 25-10, 25-15) victory inside Mabee Arena.
With the regulars cheering on their teammates from the sidelines the youngsters showed plenty of ability.
"We're trying to get guys to all be on the same page and when you're dealing with an entire group of freshmen for the most part it's difficult when they don't get live action," Sahlmann said. "We were able to get those guys in a real situation and see how they responded."
Wesleyan improved to 6-7 on the season while Central Christian fell to 0-10.
The opening set was a challenge. Leading 19-17 the Tigers went on a 6-2 run and led 23-21 but KWU responded with the last four points - the final three with Jeremy Lapeze on the serve that included two aces.
Leading 5-4 in the second set the Coyotes took control outscoring the Tigers 20-6 the rest of the way - Lapeze on the serve for five of the first six points.
Clinging to a 7-6 lead in the third set, Wesleyan scored 12 of the next 16 points. The Tigers got no closer than eight points the rest of the way.
"There was a little more communication," Sahlmann said. "It took us getting on them a little bit in the first set, but I felt the communication level was better. We did a better job blocking than we've done in practice so that was pretty good. I moved a couple of guys around in sets two and three and it was good to see them respond."
Sahlmann said the biggest benefit from the match will manifest itself later.
"Practices will be even better and more competitive because the younger guys are getting more experience and getting those opportunities," he said. "I think it helps the entire program."
KWU hit at a .171 percentage and limited Central Christian to minus-.119 percent.
Bradley Neff had a team-best eight kills for the Coyotes while Lapeze and Wagner each had six. Angel Diaz finished with 18 assists; Lapeze and Daveion contributed three service aces each. Neff led the defense with six digs and Lapeze, Barry Neff and Diaz five apiece. KWU had 10 block assists led by Tilman Nolker with three.