OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – The third-ranked Johnson County Community College volleyball team got off to a strong start to its 2019 season, going 3-1 at the Central Community College Kickoff Classic in Columbus, Neb., over the weekend.
The Lady Cavaliers opened play on Friday, August 23, with a pair of 3-0 wins over Brookhaven College and University of Saint Mary JV. JCCC topped Brookhaven 25-15, 25-17, 25-20, and Saint Mary 25-20, 25-9, 25-20. The victory over Brookhaven gave head coach Jennifer Ei her 300th victory as Johnson County's head coach.
On Saturday morning, Johnson County took on host Central Community College, and the Lady Cavaliers led 2-1 after three sets, 25-21, 25-27, 25-9. However, the Raiders rallied for a 25-14 win in the fourth set and took the match with 16-14 win in the final set.
Johnson County closed out the Kickoff Classic with a 3-0 sweep over Iowa Central Community College, winning 25-22, 25-19, 25-19.
Returning All-American libero Rylie Barnum picked up right where she left off last year. She registered 69 digs and digs per set ratio of 3.93 over the four matches. She reached double digits in digs in all four matches. Barnum also contributed 17 assists and 11 services aces over the weekend.
Sophomore setter Ami Dias demonstrated she will be able to step up to fill the void of All-American Jade Askren. Dias tallied 87 assists and recorded double figures in assists in all four matches, including a career high 40 against Central. Her assist per set ratio was 6.21. She also had 21 digs.
Freshman right-side hitter Mikayla Powell was JCCC's top hitter over the weekend. The Raymore, Mo., native tallied 52 kills and hit .268. She topped double digits in kills in three of the four matches.
Johnson County will host Highland Community College in both team's Kansas Jayhawk D-II Conference opener. First serve is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.