Sports

Eagles kill on the court

#15 Rachael Nelson spikes the ball
#15 Rachael Nelson a sophmore spike the ball during one of the sets against Southwestern Community College on Oct. 20, 2021. PHOTO BY MOHAMED ELAAGIP

After 3 straight wins in 3 straight sets against Lakeland College, Iowa Lakes Community College and Carl Sandburg College.  

The Eagles suffered a hard-fought loss in the Triton Invitational Tournament Friday against Crowley County Community College in 3 straight sets.  

Fresh off that loss when they heard the whistle the Kirkwood Eagles volleyball team flew on- to the court looking for blood against the Southwestern Community College Jaguars. What was coming in the first set seemed  like a never-ending earthquake of thunderous spikes and blocks that shook the whole gym.  

Freshman Dani Stock seemed intent on deflating the ball every time she touched it. But she wasn’t alone. Sophomore Emily Strauss wanted in on the action as well and provided quite a few aftershocks throughout all three sets.  

The Eagles crushed the Jaguars in the first set 25-4, setting the stage for an night of straight sets.  

The second set got off to a strong start but the Jaguars clawed back showing some fight. They battled back to take over the end of the second set with a few amazing volleys that seemed to go on for days. The second set ended 25-16, setting the Eagles up for victory.  

The third set seemed more like the first set where they took the lead and never let it go as everyone got in on the action. They made quick work of a seemingly outmatched opponent where the Eagles swarmed the ball every time it got over the net and it was sent right back. The final set ended 25-13.  

The Eagles have their last tournament coming up Nov. 18 in Cedar Rapids at the NJCAA DII National Tournament. 

The Eagles raised their records to 23-10 overall and 7-1 in the conference. 

Emily Strauss led the Eagles with 14 kills.  Danielle Stock had 10 kills and Jada Golden-Smith had seven kills. 

Rachael Nelson collected 25 assists. Defensive leaders for the Eagles were Kamara Dickerson with 11 digs and Stock with six blocks. 

Image courtesy of Mohamed Elaagip

Categories: Sports, Volleyball