EAGLES RALLY TO MAKE NATIONAL TOURNEY

The seventh-ranked Kirkwood women's volleyball team rallied from a 2-0 deficit Saturday to earn a berth in the NJCAAC Division II national tournament.

Metropolitan Community College won the first two sets, 25-17 and 25-21, to put the favored Eagles on the brink of elimination, but Kirkwood responded to win the next three sets, 25-12, 25-17, 15-9, for a 3-2 victory and the district title.

Kirkwood (34-8) will play in the national tournament at the Alliant Energy Powerhouse in Cedar Rapids from Nov. 17-19.

Alyssa Tegeler led a balanced attack with 15 kills. Allison Bonnette had 13 kills, Brianna Justsen 12 and Ava Morris 11.

Gracie Ehret collected 56 assists. Sierra Marshall made 24 digs and Emma Link had 11. Justsen and Tegeler blocked four shots.

Metropolitan finished the season with a 15-19 record.