FORT DODGE, IOWA -- In a matchup between 2 of the 6 ICCAC teams that are either ranked or received votes in this week's NJCAA poll, Iowa Central CC defeated Ellsworth CC, 3-1, Wednesday night.  The set scores were 32-30, 25-22, 21-25, 25-14 in favor of the hosts, ranked 6th nationally this week.  The Panthers, who received votes in the latest ratings, saw their 10-match win streak come to an end.

The first set lasted 45 minutes and there were 17 ties before Iowa Central scored the final 2 points for the win.  ECC never trailed in set 3 and was ahead by as many as 6 points before ICCC got to within 22-21.  The Panthers, though, prevailed thanks to a Sofia Betteni kill.  The Tritons then closed out the match, running away with the 4th set.

Betteni had a strong performance for ECC, leading the Panthers with 18 kills and adding 16 digs and 3 ace serves.  Manon Morillon registered 10 kills and hit .273 and also had 16 digs.  Dallymar Panell picked up 35 assists.  Four Panthers combined for 69 of their 74 digs.  In addition to Betteni and Morillon, Ludine Charron and Ana Clara Cuartero were also in double figures with 22 and 15, respectively.  Natalie See had 3 blocks and Cuartero served 3 aces.

Ellsworth, now 20-3 for the season, goes to Mason City to take part in NIACC's tournament this weekend.  The Panthers face Western Iowa Tech and Iowa Lakes Friday and the Grand View junior varsity and NIACC on Saturday.