National tournament history

A look back at NIACC's appearances in the NJCAA national volleyball tournament:

The NIACC volleyball team, which is in its 50th season, has qualified for the national tournament three times since starting the program in the 1973 season. The Trojans qualified in 1986, 1994 and 1995.

1986

NIACC swept Iowa Central 15-6, 15-10, 15-11 in the regional finals to qualify for nationals for the first time in school history under coach Jacque Griebel. The Lady Trojans knocked off defending regional champion Waldorf College (15-12, 17-15) in the regional semifinals.

At the national tournament in Miami, the Lady Trojans lost to Eastern Arizona College 5-15, 2-15, 6-15; lost to Jefferson College (Mo.) 9-15, 10-15, 9-15; and lost to Eastern Wyoming College 7-15, 15-8, 15-17 and did not advance out of pool play. Griebel was selected as the national coach of the year.

1994

The Lady Trojans stopped Southwestern 15-13, 3-15, 15-12, 15-9 in the NJJCAA Region XI finals to qualify for the national volleyball tournament for the first time since 1986 under coach Ruehlow.

At nationals in Miami, NIACC lost to Eastern Arizona College 7-15, 8-15, 4-15; lost to Wharton County (Texas) JC 3-15, 5-15, 4-15; and topped Wallace County (Alabama) CC 15-13, 15-8, 15-9 and did not advance out of pool play.

At nationals, Tina Harding led the way with 19 kills. Julie Roney had 15 kills and Erin Blood had 12 kills.

1995

NIACC topped Southwestern 3-2 In the NJCAA Region XI finals. The Lady Trojans won 5-15, 12-15, 15-4, 15-7, 15-11 under coach Joyce Ruehlow.

At the national tournament in Miami, the Lady Trojans went 1-2 and did not advance out of pool play. They fell to Brownsville (Texas) 9-15, 7-15, 15-17; lost to Belleville (Illinois) 5-15, 10-15, 9-15; and topped Jamestown (N.Y.) 17-15, 15-4, 15-11.

Sophomore Mary Jo Vrba led the Lady Trojans at nationals with 22 kills and sophomore Tina Harding had 21 kills.