Kansas City Kansas Community College showcased a mix of performances at the Iowa Central Invite, competing against No. 2 Kirkwood Community College, North Iowa Area Community College and No.15 Des Moines Area Community College.
In their first match, KCKCC fell to No. 2 Kirkwood Community College in four sets, 14-25, 31-29, 24-26, 14-25. Despite the loss, the team recorded 53 kills and 50 assists, demonstrating their offensive capabilities. Kirkwood secured the victory with 55 kills and a commanding blocking presence, totaling 14 blocks compared to KCKCC's four. Valentina Rolando led KCKCC with 20 kills on 55 attempts, contributing 21 points and adding 14 digs. Veronica Rolando facilitated the offense with 34 assists and recorded 12 digs, while Trinaty Fansher added 14 kills on 33 swings, finishing with a .364 hitting percentage. Ava Rann anchored the defense with 25 digs, highlighting her defensive efforts.
In their second match, KCKCC swept North Iowa Area Community College decisively with scores of 25-7, 25-10, 25-21. The Blue Devils displayed dominance with a .380 hitting percentage and tallied 15 service aces, while the Tritons struggled with a .076 hitting percentage. KCKCC's efficient defense recorded 34 digs. Valentina Rolando again led the charge with 10 kills and 10 digs, adding four service aces for a total of 15 points. Mayah Pridgett was a defensive powerhouse with a team-high four blocks. Tatianna Murray contributed with eight kills and five aces, while Fansher recorded eight kills on 11 attempts, achieving a hitting percentage of .636 and adding three blocks. Veronica Rolando finished with 18 assists and served four aces, complementing her five kills on a .556 hitting percentage.
In their final match of the tournament, KCKCC swept No.15 Des Moines Area Community College 25-23, 25-13, 25-20. They secured the victory with a dominant serving performance, recording 14 aces, and showcased a strong defensive presence with 43 digs. DMACC struggled with their serve receive, committing 10 receiving errors. Fansher led KCKCC with nine kills and one assist, maintaining a .294 hitting percentage. Veronica Rolando added five kills and 18 assists, along with three service aces. Valentina Rolando contributed significantly on defense with 14 digs and 10 kills, while Murray made her mark with four aces and two blocks.
The next match for the KCKCC volleyball team is Oct. 22 as they head to Arkansas City, Kan. to take on No. 3 Cowley College.