By Kole Meschke
Grand Rapids Community College will host a watch party tomorrow morning as the women’s volleyball team begins its run at the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II National Championship in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The event starts at 9:45 a.m. in Room 213 of the Ford Fieldhouse and is free for all GRCC students and staff.
The Raiders open tournament play at 10 a.m., taking on Pellissippi State Community College in the first round. GRCC enters the matchup on a 22-match win streak with a 24–2 overall record, while Pellissippi State arrives riding an eight-match streak and a 21–10 record.
GRCC’s season has been marked by major achievements. The Raiders secured their 14th district title, 15th conference title, and 12th Michigan Community College Athletic Association championship heading into this tournament. Several Raiders also collected postseason awards. Taylor Kik earned Northern Conference Player of the Year and secured spots on the First Team All-Conference, All-MCCAA, and All-Region teams. Freshman Vanessa Walker was recognized with All-Region, All-MCCAA, First Team All-Conference honors, and was named the Northern Conference Freshman of the Year. Sophomore Christina Williams also received All-Region, All-MCCAA, and First Team All-Conference accolades. Freshman Kirstyn Lothschultz rounded out the group, earning Second Team All-Conference honors and a place on the Northern Conference All-Freshman Team.
This marks the 12th time in program history that the Raiders have made it to the NJCAA Championship tournament, with 2012 being the last year bringing home any hardware. With a win in the morning, the Raiders will play again at 6:30 against Kansas City, Kansas Community College.
