Two top ranked area college volleyball teams squared off in a tightly contested match, with Kansas City Kansas Community College coming out victorious over Johnson County Community College 3 sets to 2.
KCKCC was ranked # 12 nationally and JCCC #5 prior to the game. Another winner was the fight against breast cancer, as the stands were packed for the KCKCC Volleyball sponsored “dig Pink” night to raise money and awareness for this cause.
Although the KCKCC teams and fans were dressed in shades of pink, they were definitely out for blood, as Johnson County brought a 10-year, 15-match winning streak against the Blue Devils into the fieldhouse for this contest.
The first game was won by KCKCC 25-22 and the battle was on. Johnson took the second game, the Blue Devils won the third game 25-22, Johnson won the fourth game and it came down to a last and deciding fifth game to 15 points.
The score was tied 8 times in the short match; however, the Blue Devils scored the winning point on Sophomore Middle Hitter Tara Van Beek’s kill, giving KCKCC a 16-14 win in game five.
The offense was led by Sophomore Chelsea Sheldon-Medina who hit .350 with 10 kills and only 2 errors in 23 attempts.
Van Beek, playing her first game since suffering a sprained ankle against Ottawa on September 22, added 17 kills. They were assisted by Sophomore Jennie Kinsella had 41 kill assists
Helping stop the attacking Cavaliers was Van Beek with 3.0 stuff blocks, and Sophomore Sarah Mertens and Freshman Kenya Alexander each with 1.5 blocks.
The defense was led by Sophomores Leah Oehm with 14 digs and Courtney Gunnels with 12 digs.
Head Coach Mary Bruno was thrilled for her team.
“They have worked very hard both individually and as a team to make the changes and improvements that have led to our wins. We are very excited to be 20 and 2 at this point in our season! This was a great team victory against a very talented, athletic and strong Johnson County team, truly an example of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. My staff and I have emphasized to these players that creating team, having heart and working hard is what our KCKCC program is all about. This win was all about team and heart and I am so proud of them!”
