BEATRICE, Neb. – While opening the 2023 season at the Southeast Tournament, the KCKCC volleyball team had a strong outing – winning three of their four matches between Friday and Saturday. The Blue Devils defeated Western Iowa Tech 3-2 and Southeast 3-0 on Friday, before sweeping Labette 3-0 and falling to Colby, 3-0 Saturday. Head coach Mary Bruno-Ballou also etched her 250th career win over the weekend.

KCKCC begins the year at 3-1 overall.

FRIDAY
The Blue Devils had to fight hard in their first match of the tournament, defeating Western Iowa Tech in five sets. The Blue Devils took the first set 25-23 before surrendering the second frame, 25-21. Both teams traded the third and fourth to force a fifth set, where KCKCC won 15-10.

Glodalys Colon and Nykeriah Allen notched double figure kills with 11 and 10 respectively. Taryn Dial led the team with 27 assists.

Tournament host Southeast was next on the docket in the nightcap, where KCKCC swept the match 3-0. The Blue Devils took the first frame 25-22, while adding a 25-23 and 25-15 second and third set to win.

Colon had 10 kills in the match, while Dial had 24 assists and Emma Ayers added 12 digs.  

SATURDAY
The Blue Devils faced conference foes Labette and Colby Saturday to finish off the tournament. KCKCC had no trouble advancing past the Cardinals as they took all three sets – 25-12, 25-22 and 25-16.

In the final match the Blue Devils struggled to find momentum. Colby took the first set 25-17 and second frame 25-13. The Blue Devils gave Colby a challenge in the third set, but fell 25-20.

KCKCC faces No. 4 Johnson County on Wednesday in their home opener. First serve is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

By Tyler Scott
Sports Information Coordinator