NIACC goes 1-1 at McHenry County Invite
ROCKFORD, Ill. - The NIACC volleyball team split a pair of matches Friday at the McHenry County CC Invitational at the UW Health Sports Factory.
NIACC opened the season with a 3-2 win over Moraine Valley CC Friday at the McHenry County CC Invitational.
NIACC won the match 17-25, 25-18, 25-15, 13-25, 15-11. It is the fourth straight season that NIACC has won its season opener.
In its second match Friday, NIACC dropped a 3-1 decision to Rock Valley, which won 19-25, 25-19, 25-22, 25-17.
"Opening weekend is always an amazing learning opportunity and (Friday) was no exception," NIACC coach Chris Brandt said. "This is a great venue to play against top competition, play through the nerves, and sort out of strengths/weaknesses.
"We were small but mighty group (Friday) since we aren't completely healthy and definitely gives us the the knowledge that we will have good depth once everyone is cleared to play."
On Friday, Grace Tobin led NIACC with 32 kills, 15 digs, six blocks and four ace serves. Tobin had 14 kills against Moraine Valley CC and 18 kills against Rock Valley.
Tobin, who had 300 kills in her initial season with the Trojans, has recorded at least 14 kills in four straight matches. She wrapped up her freshman season in the spring of 2021 with 14 kills against Southeastern and 20 kills against Hawkeye CC.
The Trojans' Samantha Coron had 42 assists with 20 digs and 13 kills. Coron recorded a career-high 23 assists against Moraine Valley and collected 19 assists against Rock Valley.
Also for NIACC, Kaylee Ollendieck had 28 digs, Emily Wittnebel had eight digs, Ryley Wetlaufer had 30 assists, 13 digs and three ace serves and Megan Vidmar had eight kills, four blocks and three digs.
NIACC's Kalayah Kaschub had five kills and four blocks, Tiegan Barkema had 14 kills, 19 digs, three ace serves and three blocks and Kyla Moore had 14 kills and six blocks.
On Saturday, the Trojans play No. 17 (NJCAA Division II) Lincoln Land CC (10 a.m.) and No. 2 (NJCAA Division II) Parkland College (1:30 p.m.)
2021 (FALL) NIACC TEAM SEASON HIGHS
Kills - 49 vs. Moraine Valley CC (8-21-21)
Assists - 46 vs. Moraine Valley CC (8-21-21)
Digs - 53 vs. Rock Valley College (8-21-21)
Ace serves - 9, twice.
Blocks - 13 vs. Moraine Valley CC (8-21-21)
2021 (FALL) NIACC INDIVIDUAL SEASON HIGHS
Kills - 18, Grace Tobin vs. Rock Valley College (8-21-21)
Assists - 23, Samantha Coron vs. Moraine Valley CC (8-21-21)
Digs - 15, Kaylee Ollendieck vs. Rock Valley College (8-21-21)
Ace serves - 4, Ryley Wetlaufer vs. Rock Valley College (8-21-21)
Blocks - 4, Kalayah Kaschub vs. Moraine Valley CC (8-21-21); 4, Tobin vs. Moraine Valley CC (8-21-21)
THE LAST TIME A NIACC PLAYER ...