By ALAN HOSKINS
Kansas City Kansas Community College’s nationally ranked volleyball team has had a lot of big showdowns this season but none bigger than tonight’s clash at Coffeyville.
“If we win, we’ll host a district playoff; if we lose, we have to go to Coffeyville so it’s a really big match,” said head coach Mary Bruno, whose Blue Devils are currently ranked No. 11 in the nation in Division II. Second in the district at 8-1, the Blue Devils are 26-5 overall.
Coffeyville is tied for third in the district at 7-2 and 24-10 overall and would hold the tie-breaker edge over KCKCC with a win tonight. “Coffeyville is always a difficult place to play but I’m excited,” said Bruno.
The Blue Devils are coming off one of their biggest wins of the season Friday night.
Hosting No. 13 ranked Butler County Friday night, the Blue Devils opened with 25-23 and 25-21 decisions only to drop the next two sets 25-21 and 25-22 before rallying for a 17-15 win in the fifth and deciding set.
Coming off an ankle sprain, Tara Van Beek led the Blue Devils with 17 kills and seven blocks while Sarah Mertens had 15 kills and Lisa Angello 12 kills. In addition, setter Jennie Kinsella had 58 assists while libero Leah Oehm had 30 digs.
All are sophomores and will be honored along Chelsea Sheldon-Medina, Courtney Gunnels and Amber Fraser at “Sophomore Night” when the Blue Devils host Labette Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the final match of the regular season.
