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Cavaliers Battle Top-Ranked Teams, Claim Two Wins at Heartland Classic

The photo captures an intense moment during a volleyball match. A player in a yellow jersey is airborne, reaching high to spike the ball over the net. Another teammate in yellow stands nearby, ready to assist. On the opposite side, two players in black jerseys with orange sleeves are leaping to block the shot. In the background, spectators are seated in bleachers, closely watching the action unfold. The image conveys energy, focus, and the competitive spirit of the game.
Posted: Oct 12, 2025

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – The No. 8-ranked Johnson County Community College volleyball team showcased its talent and resilience this past weekend at the Heartland Classic, securing two victories in four matches against a strong field of nationally ranked opponents. The Cavaliers faced three ranked teams, including two in the top six of the NJCAA Division II poll.

"I'm proud of the way our team competed this weekend against some of the best programs in the country. We showed resilience, fought hard in every match, and our freshmen really stepped up to make an immediate impact. These experiences against top-ranked teams will only make us stronger as we continue the season." — Jennifer Ei, JCCC Head Volleyball Coach.

Match 1: JCCC 3, Illinois Central 0
The Cavaliers opened the Classic with a sweep of No. 13 Illinois Central (25-16, 25-20, 25-21). Freshman Ava Esser led the team with 14 kills (.355), while freshman Lauren Roediger added 10 kills (.444). Setter Campbell Chabot tallied 37 assists and seven kills, and sophomore libero Carlie Martin recorded 20 digs. Contributions also came from sophomore Brooke Boyer (7 kills, .467 K%, 6 digs) and sophomore Avery Ringgenberg (6 kills, .462 K%, 5 blocks).

Match 2: JCCC 3, McHenry County 1
Johnson County continued its momentum with a 3-1 victory (25-14, 23-25, 25-19, 25-10) over McHenry County. Esser led all hitters with 14 kills, seven digs, three blocks, and a .367 hitting percentage. Ringgenberg and freshman Alana Brewster each added 10 kills, with Ringgenberg contributing five blocks and a .450 kill rate. Chabot added 29 assists, and freshman Cami Roberts contributed 10 assists. Martin led with 17 digs, followed by nine from Chabot and Boyer.

Match 3: JCCC 0, Heartland 3
Facing No. 3 Heartland, the Cavaliers fell in straight sets (23-25, 17-25, 17-25) despite competitive play. Roediger led with nine kills (.471), while Esser and Ringgenberg contributed seven each. Chabot added 27 assists and eight digs, with Boyer leading the defense with 11 digs.

Match 4: JCCC 2, Parkland 3
The Cavaliers closed the tournament with a dramatic five-set contest against No. 6 Parkland, falling 3-2 (25-20, 25-16, 19-25, 18-25, 13-15). Roediger led with 15 kills (.323), freshman Lily Waters added 13, and Esser posted 10 kills and a season-high 30 digs. Chabot recorded 48 assists and 11 digs for her sixth double-double of the season. Boyer and Martin also reached double digits in digs with 16 and 14, respectively.

Johnson County returns to action Wednesday, October 15, hosting No. 2-ranked Kansas City Kansas Community College at 6 p.m. at the JCCC Gymnasium in a high-profile cross-town matchup.