by Alan Hoskins, KCKCC
A 3-0 winner at Allen County Wednesday night, Kansas City Kansas Community College swings right back into action at No. 3 ranked Johnson County Friday night as the Lady Blue Devils continue their battle in the nation’s toughest NJCAA Division II volleyball conference.
The Blue Devils jumped off to a quick 2-0 lead at Allen County, winning 25-14 and 25-11 before taking a furious third set 33-31.
The win boosted the Blue Devils’ record to 9-5 with four of the five losses coming to teams ranked in the Top 20 nationally.
Any question as to the validity of the Jayhawk being the toughest was erased with the latest NJCAA Division II national rankings – the top three teams in the conference are also the top three teams in the national poll.
Coffeyville, the defending national champion, is No. 1; Cowley College is ranked No. 2; and Johnson County No. 3.
Not only does the conference boast the top three teams, it has four teams among the top nine as Highland is ranked No. 9.
In addition, KCKCC was ranked No. 17 and is still receiving votes; and Neosho County was ranked in the Top 20. In all, the Blue Devil schedule boasts 11 rivals who are in the Top 20.
Tipoff Friday at Johnson County is 6 p.m. The Blue Devils then return home next Wednesday to play host to Neosho County followed by the loaded KCKCC Tournament Friday and Saturday, Sept. 21-22 and then a road date at No. 2 Cowley Sept. 26.