Kirkwood Sweeps Ranked Weekend in Fort Dodge, Moves to 28-1
Fort Dodge, IA- The Kirkwood Eagles continued their remarkable season this past weekend in Fort Dodge, Iowa, going a perfect 4–0 at a loaded tournament featuring nationally ranked opponents. The #2-ranked Eagles defeated #3 Cowley, #5 Kansas City Kansas (KCK), #14 Neosho, and #20 Northeastern Oklahoma A&M (NEO) to improve to an outstanding 28–1 overall record.
Eagles Sweep #3 Cowley
Kirkwood opened the weekend with authority, sweeping third-ranked Cowley in straight sets (25-17, 25-12, 25-23). The Eagles hit an impressive .326 as a team, led by Carly Wazac, who was nearly unstoppable with 9 kills on .600 hitting. Josie Bryan added 9 kills (.273) and Madalyn Boyer contributed 5 kills and 4 block assists, while setter Kaci Johnsondished out 15 assists with 8 kills of her own for a standout all-around performance.
Statement Win Over #5 Kansas City Kansas
Kirkwood followed with another marquee win, taking down fifth-ranked KCK in four sets (25-14, 29-31, 26-24, 25-14). The Eagles' balanced offense shined again as Carly Wazac led the team with 18 kills, while Marissa Cahoy added 11 kills and Madalyn Boyer posted 7 kills and 5 blocks. Kaci Johnson was masterful in distribution, recording 27 assistsand chipping in 5 kills, while Avery Knoop tallied 17 assists and 3 aces from the service line. Libero Natalee Hartmananchored the back row with a team-high 28 digs.
Overpowering #14 Neosho County
Kirkwood continued its dominance on Day 2 with a four-set victory (25-20, 16-25, 25-16, 25-12) over #14 Neosho County. The Eagles' offense fired on all cylinders, hitting .286 as a team behind Marissa Cahoy's 14 kills (.464) and Carly Wazac's 11 kills (.360). Josie Bryan and Chloe Baez each added 7 kills, while Avery Knoop and Kaci Johnsoncombined for 48 assists to keep the attack balanced and unpredictable. Hartman again steadied the defense with 23 digs.
Finishing Strong Against #20 Northeastern Oklahoma A&M
The Eagles capped off the weekend with another sweep, defeating #20 NEO in straight sets (25-18, 25-23, 25-15). Kirkwood hit a blistering .372 as a team, led by Carly Wazac's 12 kills (.550) and Josie Bryan's 11 kills (.474). Madalyn Boyer and Sydney Brandmeyer added depth with 5 and 7 kills, respectively, while Kaci Johnson and Avery Knoop combined for 37 assists. Hartman was again a defensive anchor with 17 digs, rounding out a complete team performance.
Next Up
The Eagles will now turn their attention back to ICCAC conference play, beginning with Sophomore Night on Tuesdayat home against Marshalltown. Kirkwood will then make a quick return trip to Fort Dodge on Thursday for a crucial matchup with Iowa Central.
