CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The Johnson County Community College volleyball team's quest for a third national championship came up short Saturday evening, as Cowley College was able defend its NJCAA Division II championship by downing the Lady Cavaliers 3-1 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Johnson County got off to a strong in the championship match, handing the Tigers its first set loss of the tournament, 25-18. Cowley tied the match with a second set win of 25-19 then took control with a 25-14 win in the third set and secured the victory in the fourth set with a 25-21 win.
Cowley's hitters outplayed JCCC registering 58 kills and a kill percentage of .295 while the Lady Cavaliers finished with 37 kills and a kill percentage of .106.
Johnson County (30-7) finished as the NJCAA D-II runner-up for the fourth time in program and third under head coach Jennifer Ei. This is the fifth straight year she has led her team to a top-four finish at the national tournament.
Sophomore outside/right side hitter Kennedy Smalley led JCCC with 14 kills. She also had 13 digs for her 13th double-double match of the season. Sophomore outside/right side hitter Tori Valentine followed with seven kills and sophomore middle/outside hitter Beth Hedke added six and freshman outside/middle hitter Rilyn Sommer had five. Hedke was the top blocker with six.
Freshman defensive specialist Carlie Martin led the team with 19 digs and sophomore setter Wren VanCleave and freshman setter Taylin Stallbuamer posted double figures in assists with 19 and 11 respectively.