CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The No. 7-seed Johnson County Community College volleyball team avoided an upset loss by rallying from a 2-1 deficit for a five-set victory over No. 10-see Iowa Central Community College in the opening match at the NJCAA Division II National Tournament Wednesday afternoon at Alliant Energy Power Area in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
The Lady Cavaliers got off to a strong start with 25-17 win in the first set, but Iowa Central dominated the next two sets with wins of 25-12 and 25-15 and appeared on their way for the upset but JCCC rallied to tie the match with 25-19 win in the fourth set then capped the comeback with a15-13 win in the fifth and final set.
Sophomore outside/right side hitters Tori Valentine and Kennedy Smalley powered the Lady Cavaliers attack. Valentine led the team with 15 kills followed by Smalley with 10. Sophomore outside/right side hitter Coral Netten added six kills and an attack percentage of .500.
Both Valentine and Smalley reached double digit in digs as well with 14 and 16 respectively. It was both hitter's 11th double-double of the season. Smalley also led the team with three service aces.
Freshman defensive specialist Carlie Martin led the team in digs with 22.
Freshman setter Taylin Slallbaumer dished out 26 assists, and sophomore setter/hitter Wren VanCleave followed with 12 assists and two aces.
Johnson County advance to face No. 2-seet Parkland College Thursday night at 8:30 pm., EST. This will the 42nd meeting between the two programs and sixth in national tournament play. JCCC downed the Cobras 3-1 earlier this season but trail the all-time series 15-to-26.