NIACC falls to Northeast CC in title match

MASON CITY - The NIACC volleyball team dropped a 3-2 decision to Northeast CC in the NJCAA Region XI-B title match Sunday afternoon in the NIACC gym.

Northeast CC won 23-25, 25-18, 25-19, 20-25, 15-13.

"When it comes down to a 13-15 end you know both teams gave it their very best," said NIACC coach Chris Brandt, whose team compiled a record of 31-10. "This has been a season to remember - a season of growth beyond a scoreboard.

"There are many lessons these athletes take with them and we are so proud of the amazing young women who have built a long lasting legacy."

Northeast CC, the tournament's third seed, advances to the NJCAA Division II national tournament in Charleston, W.V. Fifth-seed Kirkwood knocked off top-seed Iowa Central 3-2 in the NJCAA Region XI-A title match so the Eagles now play at Metropolitian CC (Kansas City, Mo.) in the NJCAA North Central district championship on Nov. 9 with that winner qualifying for the national tournament.

NIACC's Kennedy Meister and Becca Steffen were selected to the NJCAA Region XI-B all-tournament team. Northeast's selections were Hannah Heppner, MaKayla Davidson and tournament MVP Josie Sanger.

Southeastern's Rachel Malinowski and Hawkeye CC's Jessica Hopkins also were selected to the all-tournament team.

Meister collected 20 kills, 23 digs and four blocks in the title match. Steffen had 27 assists, 15 digs and 11 kills.

Also for the Lady Trojans, Bri Powers 18 digs, Tessa Sienknecht had seven assists and eight digs, Megan Hollander had six blocks, Kayla Lentz had assists and 28 digs, Shelby Heston had eight kills, 21 digs and three blocks, Alexa Loftus had 10 kills and three blocks and Braylee Wood had six blocks.

NJCAA Region XI-B tournament

(At Mason City)

Saturday's results

(2) NIACC 3, (7) Southeastern 2

(3) Northeast CC 3, (6) Hawkeye CC 0

Sunday's result

Northeast CC 3, NIACC 2

Note: Fifth-seed Kirkwood won the NJCAA Region XI-A tournament over Iowa Central, 3-2. Kirkwood plays at Metropolitian CC (Kansas City, Mo.) on Nov. 9 in the NJCAA North Central District championship. Third-seed Northeast CC earns an automatic bid to the NJCAA Division II national tournament Nov. 21-23 in Charleston, W.V.

NIACC (31-10)