Posted: Nov 24, 2025

Eagles Finish 5th Nationally

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Entering the NJCAA Division II National Tournament as the No. 1 overall seed, the Kirkwood Eagles carried championship expectations into the Alliant Energy Powerhouse. And while the bracket delivered its share of adversity, the Eagles responded with grit, resilience, and big-moment execution—battling back to finish 5th in the nation and closing another standout season at 37–3.

Dominant Start vs. Calhoun

Kirkwood opened the week with a commanding sweep of Calhoun Community College, winning 25-14, 25-19, 25-8. The Eagles hit .290 as a team, setting the early tournament tone.

Kaci Johnson led the charge with 12 kills (.320) and 23 assists.
Sydney Brandmeyer added 10 kills (.455).
Chloe Baez was nearly untouchable at 8 kills (.615).
Carly Wazac contributed 8 kills and 4 blocks, anchoring a front-line that totaled 19 blocks.

The Eagles moved to 34–2 and advanced to the quarterfinals.

Quarterfinal Stumble vs. Gulf Coast

The Eagles' lone misstep of the tournament came against No. 8 Gulf Coast in a 23-25, 21-25, 18-25 defeat. Despite trading points throughout, Kirkwood couldn't fully seize control.

Brandmeyer tallied 9 kills.
Wazac added 10 kills (.333).
Baez finished with 7 kills and 3 blocks.

Gulf Coast's serving pressure and balance proved decisive, dropping the Eagles into the consolation bracket.

Five-Set Fight vs. Iowa Central

In their first elimination match, the Eagles delivered a season-defining response: a gritty 3-2 victory over Iowa Central (16-25, 25-18, 22-25, 25-21, 15-9).

Kaci Johnson shined brightest with 15 kills, 31 assists, and 13 digs.
Brandmeyer added 12 kills, while Baez and Wazac combined for 22 more.
Natalee Hartman anchored the defense with a massive 28 digs.

Kirkwood hit .381 in the fifth set, showing championship-level poise with the season on the line.

Another Comeback Classic vs. Pensacola

Down 0–2, the Eagles staged another dramatic comeback—toppling Pensacola State 11-25, 21-25, 25-18, 25-19, 15-13.

Johnson was sensational again with 13 kills (.379) and 22 assists.
Yasmine Sell delivered 14 kills, her biggest output of the week.
Wazac added 11 kills, and Boyer contributed 5 block assists.
Hartman's 24 digs once again steadied the backcourt.

It was one of the tournament's most resilient performances, securing the reverse sweep.

Eagles Secure 5th With Win Over Mesa

Kirkwood closed the tournament with a convincing 3-1 win over Mesa (25-16, 25-20, 19-25, 25-21), sealing their top-five finish.

Baez dominated with 9 kills (.533) and 6 blocks.
Johnson capped her remarkable week with 10 kills and 17 assists.
Wazac chipped in 10 kills, while Brandmeyer and Sell added 13 combined kills.
Hartman recorded 25 digs, completing one of the best defensive tournaments of her career.