OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – For the eighth time in 11 years, the Johnson County Community College volleyball team will be competing in the NJCAA Division II National Tournament.  The Cavaliers punched their ticket to nationals after defeating Kansas City Kansas Community College to claim the 2018 District M Championship. 

Johnson County had to battle back from a 2-0 deficit with Neosho County Community College, winning in five sets (18-25, 21-25, 25-12, 25-21, 15-10) before sweeping KCKCC in the championship match (25-17, 25-23, 25-14). 

"We played very tight and tentative in the first two sets," said JCCC coach Jennifer Ei. "After the second set we made a few changes and I told them that we are going five sets and we are winning this! It was awesome! 

In the semifinals, Anna Hester, Ciara Valadez and Kayla Neigenfind each registered double figures in kills. Hester led with 17 and hit .208. Valadez collected 13 and Neigenfind had 10 and hit .261. 

Four players reach double digits in digs led by Rylie Barnum with 28, followed by Torey Burkhardt with 20, Whitlee Teague with 13 and Kyndal Bowie with 12. 

Jade Askren tallied 49 assists while directing the offense. 

In the title match, Hester again led the team with 16 kills and had an impressive kill percentage of .600.  Valadez also reached double figures with 13 and hit .440, and Shannon Riley had 12 kills and hit .259. 

Barnum was team's leader again in digs with 28, followed by Burkhardt with 11.  Askren tallied 39 assists along with eight digs.