NIACC splits pair at Triton Invitational

FORT DODGE - The NIACC volleyball team split a pair of matches at the Iowa Central Triton Invitational on Saturday.

No. 2 (NJCAA Division II) Cowley County topped NIACC 3-0 (25-11, 25-21, 25-14). NIACC wrapped up the two-day invitational with a 3-0 win over Carl Sandburg College (25-21, 25-22, 25-20).

"It was another tournament with amazing competition," NIACC coach Chris Brandt said, "and we were ready to compete.

"Four matches with determination, grit and confidence that allowed us to play the best we have seen all season. We have been working hard to improve our team hitting efficiency and they completely dominated their performance during the last match. This was a very successful weekend."

NIACC sophomore Jaida Hansen had 18 kills, four digs and three blocks. Sophomore Alyssa Wickersheim had 16 kills, 19 digs and two assists.

NIACC's Iwalani Beltran had 32 assists, 14 digs and four ace serves. The Trojans' Emily Opstvedt had 24 assists, seven digs and one ace serve.

Also for the Trojans, Abbie Hyde had 20 digs and one ace serve, Kennedy Schwiesow had 29 digs and seven assists, Kelly Miller had eight kills, four digs and two blocks and Ellie Hanna had seven kills, eight blocks and four digs.

NIACC's Kit Byars had five kills, four blocks and one ace serve and Zhane Singer had 13 kills, eight blocks and two digs.

NIACC (13-23 overall) wraps up its regular season Wednesday in an ICCAC match at Marshalltown CC. Match time is slated for 7 p.m.