MCC Volleyball downs Western Nebraska in four sets

SCOTTSBLUFF – The McCook Community College volleyball team went on the road Saturday and picked up a critical Region IX South win over Western Nebraska Community College. After dropping the first set 25-15, MCC rolled to three straight set wins, 25-18, 25-23 and 25-19.

Saturday was only the second time in the last 29 years, MCC was able to pick up a win over the Cougars, who had won seven straight matches between the two schools and 64 of the past 66 meetings dating back to 1994.

"Today was a good offensive and defensive match for us," said MCC Coach Haylee Kobza.

Sophomore Jordan Duzenack (Loveland, Colo.) led a trio of hitters with double-digit kills. She had 13 kills and three assist blocks.

"Jordan Duzenack had a great match offensively." Kobza said.

Freshman Romina Martinez (Cochabamba, Bolivia) had 11 kills, nine digs, two assist blocks, and one ace. Fernanda Merancio (sophomore, Lamar, Colo.) added 10 kills and one assist block.

Freshman Kayten Hagan (Kearney) anchored the passing attack with 26 assists and added seven digs. Jessie Jerome (sophomore, Rawlins, Wyo.) had 17 assists, seven digs, three kills and an assist block.

Sophomore Greta Bolognini (Bergamo, Italy) had 16 digs and two aces. Freshman Caylin Barnett (McCook) was credited with five digs and two aces.

Gabby Caskey (sophomore, Ogallala) had six assist blocks, five kills and an ace. Freshman April Conilogue (Longmont, Colo.) had two kills, one solo block and one assist block.

MCC improves to 18-11 on the season and 3-4 in Region IX South, with three games left on the region slate.

The Lady Indians will be back home Monday to host Southeast Community College in a 6 p.m. match against Southeast Community College to wrap up the Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference schedule.

On Friday the Lady Indians are back at the Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center for a final homestand against a pair of Region IX South opponents on homecoming weekend. On Friday MCC takes on Otero Junior College at 6 p.m. and on Saturday faces Trinidad State at 2 p.m. Sophomores will be recognized prior to that match. Also the 1980 volleyball team will be honored.

The final regular season match will be at Lamar, Colo. Oct. 28.

REGION IX

SOUTH STANDINGS

                                 W-L     PCT.              OVERALL        

Northeastern JC         5-0       1.000              27-2     (.931)  

Western Nebraska      5-2         .800              14-14    (.520)

Trinidad State JC        4-2         .667              15-14    (.517)

McCook CC                3-4         .429              18-11   (.621)  

Lamar CC                  1-6         .143                8-16   (.333)

Otero JC                    0-6        .000                6-18    (.250)  

Remaining Region IX SCHEDULE

Oct. 20 – Otero JC at MCC, 6 p.m.

Oct. 21 – Trinidad State at MCC, 2 p.m. (Sophomore game)

Oct. 28 – MCC at Lamar, 3 p.m.