NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – For the 15th time in program history, the Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzly Volleyball team is headed to nationals.
The Grizzlies, 25-9 and ranked 10th in the final National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) poll, punched their ticket to the NJCAA Division I Women’s National Volleyball Championship Tournament Nov. 19-21 in Casper, Wyoming, by defeating Monroe College 28-26, 25-27, 25-17, 25-19 for the NJCAA District N championship Saturday afternoon, Nov. 7, in New Rochelle, New York.
“Last year, they put together a really good set against us, but we adjusted and took control. We knew going into this year, especially being at their place, they would be ready to play. We were dealing with some lineup adjustments, and Monroe put together two really good sets. We continued to play and keep pressure on them, and they were not able to maintain their level of play. We started to separate from them and took control of the game. It was a good fight all the way through our our players,” Grizzly Volleyball Head Coach Paula Wiedemann said.
The Grizzlies took the court with a revamped lineup after a hand injury sidelined sophomore setter Susannah Kelley in the Region 16 championship game Oct. 31 and an ankle injury Oct. 23 limited the play of sophomore outside attacker Gabby Edmondson, but the Grizzlies settled into the personnel adjustments and overcame a scrappy Mustang team.
“We got through the first set, and I knew (Monroe) wasn’t going to go away. We played a hard-fought, back-and-forth second set,” Wiedemann said. “In the third, though, you could see our kids’ determination to maintain and keep focused kick in, and that’s when we took control. Defensively, we made good adjustments and kept the pressure on them, and they couldn’t keep up with it.”
Leading the charge offensively for the Grizzlies were sophomore outside hitter Pulotu Manoa and sophomore middle attacker Zori Curry who had 18 and 10 kills, respectively, in the match. Freshman setter Blanca Izquierdo led the team in assists with 33, and Edmondson led the team in passing rating with 2.72.
Defensively, the Grizzlies were led by Curry with 2.5 blocks and freshman libero Autumn Reese with 18 digs. Izquierdo was close behind with 16 digs. Reese also led the team in service aces with two, and Manoa had the most points earned with 18.5.
“Blanca did a very nice job stepping in and running our offense with very little preparation,” Wiedemann said. “She did a fantastic job of handling a big moment. To have someone thrown into a whole new world as a freshman and be such a positive part of what we’re doing is refreshing.
“Gabby was very limited offensively, but her passing kept us in rhythm,” the coach continued. “She and Autumn really anchored our passing and kept Blanca from having to rush all over the floor.”
Wiedemann also praised Monroe College for having a top notch facility in which to play. “The gym was awesome! It’s the loudest gym I’ve ever heard, with an absolute constant noise level from their fans. Their facilities and staff were phenomenal, and their fans created a great atmosphere.”
She also thanked all of the Grizzly fans who tuned in online to watch the Grizzlies win the district title. “Everyone who followed on line, sent us good wishes and luck, it was very much appreciated. I can’t tell you how much that support means to all of us,” she explained.
The Grizzlies will prepare for nationals by continuing to improve and work with the current lineup to develop a comfortable rhythm. “Right now, they’re trusting the process, and I appreciate that. Everybody is stepping up in whatever role we need them to play, and they’re doing it well,” Wiedemann said.
Tournament seedings and pairings will be announced at a later date by NJCAA officials.
For more information about the Grizzly Volleyball team, visit its website. For more information about the national tournament, visit the tournament website or the NJCAA website.