Skip to content Skip to footer

No. 12 Pensacola State stuns No. 5 JCCC in five-set opening round thriller

The photo captures an intense volleyball match during what appears to be a championship event, as indicated by the NJCAA Championship banner in the background. The setting is an indoor sports arena with a hardwood court and a net dividing the two teams. In the foreground: A player in a light blue jersey with the number 4 is airborne, executing a powerful spike toward the opposing side. Two players in green jerseys, numbered 16 and 3, are positioned at the net with arms extended high, attempting to block the spike. Another player in a light blue jersey is crouched and ready for action, likely preparing for a defensive move. In the background: Additional players from both teams are visible, standing in ready positions. Spectators and officials can be seen near the court and in the stands, adding to the competitive atmosphere. Notable details: The net has branding for BEAR and NJCAA, reinforcing the official nature of the event. The players are wearing knee pads and athletic shoes, typical for volleyball competition. The lighting is bright and evenly distributed, highlighting the action on the court.

Game Leaders

Pensacola State College
K: Maddie Goodwin - 14
B: 2 Players (#3, #5) - 3
D: Addison Danforth - 33
SA: Catie Woolf - 2
Johnson County Community College
K: Ava Esser - 23
B: Avery Ringgenberg - 3
D: Carlie Martin - 23
SA: Kennedie Witthaus - 3

Team Stats

Pensacola State College
Johnson County Community College

Hitting %

.212
.151

Blocks

6.0
5.0

Digs

89
84

Aces

4
7
full stats
Posted: Nov 20, 2025

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The biggest upset of the opening day at the NJCAA Division II Volleyball Championship came when No. 12 seed Pensacola State College rallied to defeat No. 5-seed Johnson County Community College in five sets (25-22, 20-25, 19-25, 25-17, 15-12).  The loss marks JCCC's first first-round setback since 2016—a year in which the Cavaliers regrouped to win their next three matches and finish ninth.

With the loss, the Cavaliers move to the consolation bracket, where they will face No. 13 seed Grand Rapids Community College at 1 p.m. Thursday. JCCC edged Grand Rapids in five sets in their second match of the season.

JCCC outside/middle hitter Ava Esser powered the Cavaliers offense with 23 kills, tying the second-most kills recorded in a tournament match in program history, while hitting an impressive .321.  Freshman middle/right-side hitter Lauren Roediger and sophomore outside hitter Brooke Boyer also reached double figures with 13 and 11 kills, respectively.

Freshman setter Campbell Chabot delivered a standout performance, finishing with 50 assists—the third-highest total by a Cavalier in a national tournament match—along with 11 digs. Sophomore libero Carlie Martin led the defensive effort with 23 digs, followed by Boyer and freshman libero Kennedie Witthaus with 17 apiece.