by Alan Hoskins, KCKCC
Wins over two nationally ranked teams highlighted Kansas City Kansas Community College’s play in the Ramada Classic invitational volleyball tournament held by Central Nebraska in Columbus Friday and Saturday.
The Lady Blue Devils knocked off No. 13 ranked Bismarck State 3-2 on Friday and No. 18 Northeast Nebraska 3-1 Saturday. The two wins were sandwiched between losses to North Platte 3-0 Friday and Central Nebraska 3-1 Saturday.
The split left the Blue Devils 13-9 heading into the final two home matches of the season. Fort Scott invades the KCKCC Field House Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. and Highland follows on Oct. 17.
“We played well, especially against two ranked teams, but were not able to maintain the intensity against the unranked teams,” KCKCC coach Mary Bruno-Ballou said.
The Blue Devils had to go five sets to upset Bismarck State (18-6), winning the final 15-13 after Bismarck State had twice come from behind to tie in the 25-22, 25-27, 25-19, 24-26, 15-13 thriller.
KCKCC was much more in command against Northeast, winning 25-19, 25-27, 25-23, 25-16.
“This tournament is always tough for us,” Northeast coach Amanda Schultze said. “We see some really good Kansas teams. KCKCC played a great game and really pushed us out of our system and we struggled to get anything going.”
North Platte defeated KCKCC 25-21, 25-19, 25-20 in opening round play while Central took won 25-17, 24-26, 25-17, 25-17 in Saturday’s final round.