October 26, 2022
KCC DROPS THRILLER IN SHOWDOWN FOR TITLE
The showdown for the ICCAC volleyball title between seventh-ranked Kirkwood and fifth-ranked Iowa Central Wednesday night had drama, terrific action and controversy at the end.
The Eagles lost to the Tritons, 3-2, in a tightly played match at Johnson Hall.
Iowa Central won the fifth set, 15-13, to finish the ICCAC regular season with a perfect 9-0 record. Kirkwood finished at 8-1.
Both teams will host regional tournaments that begin Saturday. If they meet again this year, it would be at the national tournament.
Iowa Central led, 14-13, in the fifth set and needed one more point to win the match. Kirkwood Coach Jill Williams thought the Tritons committed a violation during the decisive point, but it was not called and the visitors won the match with a kill.
Kirkwood owned a 2-1 lead after three sets, but Iowa Central claimed the fourth set to square the match. The scores were 22-25, 25-21, 22-25, 25-22, 15-13.
Gracie Ehret rolled up 49 assists. Sierra Marshall made 20 digs. Ava Morris helped blocked 10 shots and Bri Justsen had seven.
Kirkwood fell to 31-8 overall. Iowa Central raised its record to 32-5.
Kirkwood will host NIACC in the regional semifinals Saturday at 1 p.m. If the Eagles prevail, they will host the regional finals on Wednesday, Nov. 2.
