Eagles Advance to the NJCAA Semi-Finals

11/16/2018 

CHARLESTON, W.V. – No. 5 seed Kirkwood volleyball advanced to the National Junior College Athletic Association National Quarterfinals with a 25-14, 25- 18, 25-14 sweep of No. 12 seed Carl Sandburg in Thursday's opening round. The Eagles then faced the No.4 seed South Mountain in the nightcap match at 7:30 p.m. It was a late night, 5 set thriller that advances the Eagles into the Semi-Finals Friday, winning (3-2) 21-25, 25-21, 25-20, 16-25, 15-13.

Offensively, sophomore Alexa Aldrich-Ingram led the team with 42 kills for the day, while classmates Haleigh Durnin added 23 kills, and setter Lauren Keane dished out 90 assists. Aiding the attack for the Eagles were Abbi Tunis contributing 16 kills, and freshmen Sami Johnson and Taylor Carey both adding 11 kills. Maddie Lavenz, Chloe McNeese and Aldrich-Ingram each had 2 service aces apiece.

Defensively leading the Eagles were Middle Blockers Taylor Carey and Abbi Tunis, having 11 and 8 blocks for the day.  Libero Maddie Lavenz finished with 25 digs, 

Through the opening day, seed lines have held serve with No. 1 Coffeyville, No. 2 Parkland, and No. 3 Johnson County, all advancing to the Semi-Finals as well.