OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – The Johnson County Community College volleyball team is still in the hunt to defend their national championship, advancing to the semifinals of the NJCAA D-II National Tournament at Alliant Energy Powerhouse in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. They will take on Kansas Jayhawk Conference rival and No. 1 seed Cowley (40-0) on Friday night. 

The Lady Cavaliers (31-6) opened play with a dominating effort over No. 13 seed Cape Fear, winning 25-6, 25-12, 25-11.  Their quarterfinal match was much tougher, as JCCC held one to win in five sets over No. 5 seed Sauk Valley, 25-19, 25-19, 24-26, 20-25, 15-4. 

In the opening match, freshman hitter Dejah Miller led the way with 16 kills. She also hit an impressive .560 for the match. Alyssa Smith followed with kills and Sydney Sample added seven and hit .500. 

Maddie Steiner and Kylie Gregory each registered 10 digs and Ryleigh McBurney led the way with 28 assists. 

In the win over Sauk Valley, Miller was again the top hitter with 17 kills while hitting .414.  Carley Spachman followed with 12 kills and Sample and Smith each tallied 11. Sample also hit .515 and Smith posted a double-double by collecting 10 digs. 

Steiner led the team in digs with 14 and McBurney posted a double-double with 32 assists and 10 digs.  

Lauren McClure also hit doble figures in assist with 21.