Coach Williams gets the team on the same page
The Eagles advance to the national tournament as the fifth seed
The Kirkwood volleyball team captured the 2012 Region XI-B Division II championship with a 3-1 victory over Des Moines Area Community College on Nov. 3.
Erin Walker led the Eagles in the championship match with 13 kills, followed by Courtney Bucsh and Alicen Wintermote with 10 each. Alexus Litts had a stellar day with 43 assists. On the defensive side, Ambler and libero Cali Beyer combined for 50 digs.
The Eagles had advanced to the championship match with a 3-0 victory over North Iowa Community College. Leading the team was Tournament MVP Alexus Litts who was joined on the All-Tournament squad by teammates Ashley Gonzalez and Brittany Ambler.
“Our leaders really stepped up when it counted most,” said Head Volleyball Coach Jill Williams. “Our play around the net was fantastic. We need to continue with the same focus and determination as we head to the national tournament. The competition only gets more difficult from here on out.”
Kirkwood, now 37-8 overall, advances to the NJCAA DII national tournament as the fifth seed and will face Owens Community College (35-9) in the opening round. Adding to the increased level of competition is the fact that the national tournament will be held on the Owens Community College home court. The Toledo, Ohio school is hosting the tournament this year.
“It’s basically a home game for them,” said Williams. “That’s another reason we need to stay focused and keep our eyes on the prize.”
The national tournament at Owens Community College in Toledo starts on Thursday, Nov. 15 and wraps up on Nov. 17.