OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – In 14 seasons as head coach of the Johnson County volleyball program, Jennifer Ei has gained a reputation of producing perennial top-ranked team in the NJCAA. She has led the Lady Cavaliers to national tournament appearances in 10 of her 14 seasons, with a national championship last year, runner-up finishes in 2008 and third place finishes in 2013, 2018 and now 2021.
JCCC came away with a third-place finish at the 2021 NJCAA D-II Championship in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Saturday, defeating Iowa Central in five sets (17-25, 24-26, 25-19, 25-20, 15-5). The Lady Cavaliers finish the season with a mark of 32-7.
In third place match, sophomore Alyssa Smith led Johnson County with a double-double of 17 kills and 11 digs.
Freshman Jadyn Troutman followed with 14 kills and posted a kill percentage of .323. She also recorded eight blocks. Troutman was solid throughout the tournament, earning a spot on the all-tournament team.
Sophomore Lexi Lueger was also in double digits finishing with a career 12 kills.
Sophomore Maddie Steiner and freshman Baily Hughes were one-two in digs, finishing with 19 and 12 respectively.
Freshman Lauren McClure directed with the offense posting 36 assists. This was the fifth time this season she topped 30+ assists in a match.
Johnson County had hoped to reach the championship match to have a shot a defending their national title, but fell to a strong Cowley squad 3-0.