Women’s volleyball team opens season against nationally ranked teams at weekend tournament in Illinois

KCC's 2021-22 women's volleyball team.

The Kellogg Community College women’s volleyball team faced tough competition this weekend in the Bruins’ first matches back after the team’s 2020 season was canceled due to COVID-19.

The team went 0-4 with matches this past Friday and Saturday played as part of the Opening Weekend Tournament hosted by McHenry County College. Three of the teams the Bruins played are ranked in the Top 10 in the latest National Junior College Athletic Association’s DII Volleyball Preseason Poll.

Results from each match follow.

Match 1, Friday, Aug. 20: Bryant & Stratton College 3, KCC 0

  • Set 1: Bryant & Stratton 26, KCC 24
  • Set 2: Bryant & Stratton 25, KCC 20
  • Set 3: Bryant & Stratton 25, KCC 17

“Our ladies played some good volleyball for their first match,” KCC’s Head Women’s Volleyball Coach Tom VanWienen said. “Lots of room to improve and I know they will keep working hard and will get better with more court time. Go Bruins!”

Match 2, Friday, Aug. 20: McHenry County College 3, KCC 0

  • Set 1: McHenry 25, KCC 16
  • Set 2: McHenry 25, KCC 16
  • Set 3: McHenry 25, KCC 16

“I thought we played a lot better in our second match against a very talented McHenry team,” VanWienen said. “Fixed a few things from our first match and will continue to work on those small things as we go. Back at it again tommorrow! Go Bruins!”

Match 3, Saturday, Aug. 21: Hawkeye Community College 3, KCC 0

  • Set 1: Hawkeye 25, KCC 16
  • Set 2: Hawkeye 25, KCC 11
  • Set 3: Hawkeye 25, KCC 18

“The ladies continue to play hard! They are getting good court time against some high-level teams,” VanWienen said. “They are picking up the speed of the game with each match played. Working on some team dynamics on the fly and they are doing well with what us coaches are asking of them. Next up, No. 2 Parkland!”

Match 4, Saturday, Aug. 21: Parkland College 3, KCC 0

  • Set 1: Parkland 25, KCC 14
  • Set 2: Parkland 25, KCC 18
  • Set 3: Parkland 25, KCC 12

“Good energy to end the weekend against Parkland,” VanWienen said. “They make you earn every point and it was good for the ladies to be under that pressure early in the season. Lots of work to do and they are ready to put in the time. Excited for this group! Go Bruins!”

Up Next

The Bruins return to the road this weekend for the Owens Community College Invitational in Ohio, which starts Friday. The team’s first home match will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7, against conference opponent Jackson College at the Miller Gym on campus in Battle Creek.

Admission to all KCC home games is free.

For more information about women’s volleyball at KCC, visit kelloggbruins.com or contact Head Women’s Volleyball Coach Tom VanWienen at volleyballcoach@kellogg.edu.