By: Dana Becker

Messenger Sports Staff 

CEDAR RAPIDS — For the fifth time in program history, the Iowa Central volleyball team concluded their NJCAA Tournament run with a victory.

The Tritons closed out the 2022 season with a four-set victory over ICCAC rival Kirkwood here Saturday afternoon for seventh place overall.

Scores were 25-21, 25-15, 23-25 and 25-16.

Iowa Central has now finished third, fourth, seventh twice, 10th twice, 11th and 13th in its appearances at nationals. The third place came in 2020 and the fourth was courtesy of last year, which included several of the key players from this season.

Katilyn Steffes, one of those players, had 20 kills and 20 digs, with Jori Hajek, another returning starter, adding 10 kills with 17 digs. Brooke Dobson had nine kills, Leah Jolly eight and Mercedes Madlock 40 assists with 12 digs.

"I was really proud of how we responded," ICCC head coach Sara Horn said. "It's not easy keeping your emotions in check when you know this is the last match of the season against the hometown rival.

"But our girls showed some mental toughness and finished with a win. It was definitely a great way to go out for our sophomores."

Kira Matthias added 12 digs and three serving aces, while former St. Edmond standout Mya McClain also had three aces and two digs.

Kylie McVey chipped in nine digs and Michaelah Petrowiak had three block assists for Iowa Central (36-7 overall).

Steffes, Hajek, Dobson, Matthias, McVey, Petrowiak, Baylee Greene, Brooke Hansen, Aaliyah Lobendah and Chloe Hicks all suited up for the final time. Hansen is a Fort Dodge Senior High grad and Hicks a former Southeast Valley prep.

See full article at https://www.messengernews.net/sports/local-sports/2022/11/tritons-take-7th-overall/