by Alan Hoskins
While Longview ended Kansas City Kansas Community College’s regular volleyball season with a 3-1 win Tuesday night, the Lady Blue Devils celebrated the two-year careers of sophomores Allyssa Lutgen and Lexi Nick.
The Region VI Division II playoffs still await the Blue Devils. Seeded No. 7, KCKCC will open against No. 2 seeded Cowley College Saturday at 10 a.m. in Arkansas City.
Lutgen, a 6-0 middle blocker from Lansing, and Nick, a 5-5 sophomore setter from Bishop Ward, both were members of last year’s national tournament team that won the consolation bracket. Beaten by eventual champion Glendale, Ariz., in the first round, the Blue Devils rebounded to win their final three matches. KCKCC returned just four sophomores from that team but injuries sidelined 6-3 Cecelia Augustine and 5-4 Kimberly Martinez for the season and Nick missed two-thirds of the season with a concussion.
“Our entire coaching staff thanks both of our sophomores for all their tireless work and dedication to our program,” said head coach Mary Bruno. “It has been an honor and a pleasure to be able to see both of you day in and day out for two seasons and be a part of your lives. We love you both and are excited for your future.”
Each was presented a framed jersey and flowers. Nick was accompanied by her parents, Jeff and Kim Nick. Lutgen, who will begin classes at Pittsburg State in January, was accompanied by her parents, Dale and Kim Lutgen of Leavenworth.
After dropping the first two sets to Longview 25-18, 25-16, the Blue Devils rallied for a 25-17 win in the third set and overcame a 20-13 deficit in the fourth set to gain a tie before falling 25-22.
Alan Hoskins is the sports information director at KCKCC.
