CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The Johnson County volleyball team moved a step closer to a national championship on Wednesday evening, defeating No. 13 seed Gulf Coast State 3-1 at Alliant Energy Powerhouse Arena in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Johnson County controlled the first two sets, winning 25-17 and 25-19.  Tied at 10-10 in the third set, Gulf Coast State made a run and went to win 25-17, but in the final set the Cavaliers got an early lead and kept building on for a 25-15 victory.

Johnson County now advances to the quarterfinal round of the bracket and will face No. 12 seed Pensacola State Thursday night 5:30 CST. 

In the victory over Gulf Coast State, sophomore outside/right side hitter Sarina Ulberg posted her best effort of her career. The recent first-team all-conference selection tallied a personal-best 21 kills while posting a kill percentage of .333.

Sophomore outside/right side hitter Sophia Ewy and freshman right side hitter Kennedy Smalley were also key performers at the net. Ewy finished with 10 kills and Smalley followed with nine and kill percentage of .364. She also had a team high 18 digs

Sophomore setter Sydney Fiatte and freshman setter Wren VanCleave were solid in running the offense. Fiatte finished with 27 assists and eight digs, followed by VanCleave with 15 assists and six digs.

Sophomore libero Emily Silvers also posted double digits in digs with 15.