NIACC splits pair of matches at OWT All-In Tournament

ROCKFORD, Ill. - The NIACC volleyball team split a pair of matches on Friday at the OWT All-In Tournament.

The Trojans opened the 2022 season with a 3-2 win over Madison College and they dropped a 3-0 decision to Carl Sandburg College.

NIACC topped Madison College 13-25, 25-19, 25-21, 18-25, 15-9 in its season opener. It is the fifth straight season that the Trojans have won their season opener.

Carl Sandburg stopped NIACC 25-20, 25-18, 25-21.

It was a good opening day," NIACC coach Chris Brandt said. "We were able to move players around and see what they could do.

"We are looking forward to processing the day with the team and learn about the little changes we need for success such as adjust to the opponent quicker."

Sophomore Tiegan Barkema led NIACC with 23 kills, 15 digs and three blocks. Sophomore Kyla Moore had 13 kills, seven digs, four blocks and four ace serves.

NIACC sophomore Ryley Wetlaufer had 40 assists, 10 digs, four kills and two ace serves. Freshman Alyssa Wickersheim had 11 kills and five digs.

Also for the Trojans, Jaida Hansen had nine kills and three blocks, Kaylee Ollendieck had 29 digs, four ace serves and three assists, Jade Thomas had 20 digs and six kills and Iwalani Beltran had 21 assists, seven digs and two ace serves. Abby Suiter had six kills and three blocks.

NIACC returns to action Saturday at the OWT All-In Tournament. The Trojans face Mesabi Range CTC at 9 a.m. and College of DuPage at 11 a.m.