Women’s Volleyball 2011-12 Archives

 

MCC Volleyball Loses to Grand Rapids CC in Regional Championship Match

Audrey Skrabis and Ashley Hulbert were named to the 2011 All-Region Tournament Team,The women’s volleyball team defeated Vincennes (Ind.) 25-19, 25-17, 20-25, 25-14 in the NJCAA Region XII District F semifinals before losing to the host Grand Rapids CC Raiders in the regional championship match on Sunday afternoon.

The Jayhawks, who finished the season with a 32-12 record, lost to Grand Rapids CC 25-17, 27-25, 25-18 in the title match. MCC would have needed to defeat the Raiders twice in the double elimination format. The Jayhawks ranked 13th in the nation finished second in the region to GRCC, ranked 12th in the nation, for a second consecutive year.

Two Jayhawks, Ashley Hulbert (Fruitport, MI/Fruitport) and Audrey Skrabis (Ravenna, MI/Kent City) were voted to the All-Region XII Tournament Team.

“I told the team after the match that they were the best group of players that I’ve ever coached in high school or college,” said MCC Coach Rick Rykse, who has directed volleyball squads for more than a decade. “They had fun and enjoyed being with each other. I enjoyed coaching them. We accomplished one of our goals this season by winning the conference and were just one match short of getting the other – winning the regionals and going to nationals.”

Against Vincennes, Kristina Ledezma (Grant, MI/Grant) provided the spark, said Rykse. “She stepped up for us,” he observed. “She had a season-high six kills.”

Grand Rapids CC, which defeated the Jayhawks in three of their four matches this season, trailed MCC for most of game two before edging the Jayhawks in that crucial game.

“They’re a very good team,” concluded Rykse. “They’re a little bigger than us and were able to step it up on offense when they needed to.”

Volleyball Beats Vincennes, Loses to GRCC; Advances to Regional Semifinals

The MCC women’s volleyball team swept Vincennes and lost to Grand Rapids CC on Saturday to advance to Sunday’s semifinals in the NJCAA Region XII tournament being hosted by Grand Rapids CC.

MCC and Vincennes will meet in the semifinal match at 11 a.m. The winner faces Grand Rapids CC at 1 p.m. and must defeat the hosts twice to capture the double elimination regional title and play in the national championships at Owens CC in Toledo, Ohio, the following week.

On Saturday, the Jayhawks downed Vincennes 25-23, 25-15, 25-21 but fell to nemesis Grand Rapids CC 25-18, 18-25, 25-15, 15-14.

“Everyone played well for us against Vincennes,” said MCC Coach Rick Rykse, his team now 31-11. Julie (Larson) set a great match for us. They really didn’t know the ball was coming. Audrey (Skrabis) led us in kills.”

Against Grand Rapids CC, the key was who passed the ball best, explained Rykse.

“They passed the ball better in game one, three and four and we did in game two,” he added. “When we don’t pass well, we are predictable. “

Jayhawks stat leaders for the day were Ashley Hulbert (Fruitport, MI/Fruitport) with 390 kills, Julie Larson (Muskegon, MI/Fruitport) with 63 assists, Taylor Keyser (Nunica, MI/Spring Lake) with six aces, Emily Tjapkes (Rothbury, MI/Shelby) with 40 digs and Audrey Skrabis (Ravenna, MI/Kent City) with five blocks

Volleyball Beats Kellogg in Regional Opener

The MCC women’s volleyball team opened NJCAA Region 12 play on Friday afternoon with a 25-15, 25-20, 25-20 win over Kellogg CC in the tournament being played at Grand Rapids CC.

Now 30-10 overall, the third-seeded Jayhawks advance in the winners bracket to face the second-seeded Vincennes (Ind.) University Trailblazers (27-11) on Saturday at 10 a.m. The winner of that match will face the winner of the first-seeded Grand Rapids CC vs. fourth-seeded Sinclair match at 2 p.m. on Saturday. The double-elimination regionals conclude on Sunday.

MCC lengthy middle hitters Ashley Hulbert (Fruitport, MI/Fruitport) and Audrey Skrabis (Ravenna, MI/Kent City) had caused mismatches in the Jayhawks’ two earlier wins over Kellogg CC this season. The tandem did it again on Friday.

“They were nearly impossible to stop once we began passing the ball well,” said MCC Coach Rick Rykse, who said his squad got off to a slow start.

Hulbert had a team-high 23 kills. Julie Larson (Muskegon, MI/Fruitport), who directs the Jayhawks offense, recorded 42 assists and two aces. A hustling Alyssa Guarnaccia (St. John’s, MI/St. John’s) made 13 digs and Kristina Ledezma (Grant, MI/Grant) made a pair of blocks.

 Oakland CC Downs MCC Volleyball; Jayhawks Tie for Third in State

Ranked second in the nation, Oakland CC defeated the MCC women’s volleyball squad 25-17, 25-21, 26-28, 25-18 on Saturday in the semifinals of the MCCAA Tournament.

Now 29-10, the Jayhawks will return to action on 4 p.m. Friday when they face Kellogg CC in the NJCAA Region XII Tournament at Grand Rapids CC.

Coach Rick Rykse knew his Jayhawks had a formidable opponent in once-beaten Oakland CC, a team that MCC had not played this season.

“Both teams played well, they just played better,” said Rykse. “We fought back from five points down to win the third game. I thought that momentum would carry over into the fourth game but it didn’t.

MCC’s statistical leaders throughout the season again led the squad on Saturday. Ashley Hulbert (Fruitport, MI/Fruitport) had 20 kills, Julie Larson  (Muskegon, MI/Fruitport) had 40 assists, Emily Tjapkes (Rothbury, MI/Shelby) made 18 digs, and Audrey Skrabis (Ravenna, MI/Kent City) had four blocks and one ace.

Volleyball Sweeps Macomb; Jayhawks Face Oakland CC in State Semifinals Saturday

The West Conference co-champion MCC women’s volleyball team downed Macomb CC 28-26, 25-20, 25-19 in MCCAA quarterfinal action on Friday evening at Kalamazoo Valley CC.

The Jayhawks will meet Eastern Conference champion Oakland CC on Saturday at 11 a.m. in the semifinals. Oakland is currently ranked second in the nation.

Now 29-9 overall, the Jayhawks were led by Ashley Hulbert (Fruitport, MI/Fruitport) with 18 kills, Julie Larson (Muskegon, MI/Fruitport) with 44 assists, Emily Tjapkes (Rothbury, MI/Shelby) with 15 digs and two aces, and Audrey Skrabis (Ravenna, MI/Kent City) with four blocks.

Volleyball Beats Kalamazoo Valley; Claims Western Division Co-Championship

The MCC volleyball team defeated host Kalamazoo Valley 25-15, 25-19, 26-24 on Tuesday night to claim the title of 2011 MCCAA Western Division co-champions.

The Jayhawks and Grand Rapids CC both posted 13-1 league marks and the two squads split in their two matches this season. Both are headed to the MCCAA Championships this weekend at Kalamazoo Valley. MCC will play Macomb at 4 p.m. on Friday. The semifinals and finals are slated for Saturday.

MCC Coach Rick Rykse was worried going into Tuesday’s match about how his team would respond to the challenge.

“This was the biggest match of the year for us because we knew going in that we needed to win to become co-champs,” he explained. “I think we played a little tight at first. We were playing not to lose. But eventually everyone stepped up for us when they needed to. All the sophomores played well. Last year, the team finished second and they wanted to take first this year.

“Kalamazoo Valley is a talented team that has not had that much success. But they’re very physical and capable of beating anyone.”

Statistical leaders for the 28-9 Jayhawks were: Ashley Hulbert (Fruitport, MI/Fruitport) with 12 kills, Julie Larson (Muskegon, MI/Fruitport) with 33 assists, Karlee Schreur (Zeeland, MI/Zeeland West) with two aces, Alyssa Guarnaccia (St. John’s, MI/St. John’s) with 15 digs and Kristina Ledezma (Grant, MI/Grant) with five blocks.

MCC Volleyball Defeats Lake Michigan College in Home Finale for Six Sophomores

Six MCC sophomores made their final home match in Bartels-Rode Gymnasium an enjoyable one on Thursday night, when the 10th ranked Jayhawks defeated Lake Michigan College 25-22, 25-14, 25-21.

The six Jayhawks, who were honored before the match with flowers from their teammates, in their home finale were: (pictured left to right) Emily Tjapkes (Rothbury, MI/Shelby), Ashley Hulbert (Fruitport, MI/Fruitport), Karlee Schreur (Zeeland, MI/Zeeland), Audrey Skrabis (Ravenna, MI/Kent City). Alyssa Guarnaccia (St. John’s, MI/St. John’s) and Taylor Keyser (Nunica, MI/Spring Lake).

“I am not sure if there’s been another group of sophomores who have been more successful in volleyball over a two-year period,” said MCC Coach Rick Rykse. “They set a good example for the freshmen.”

Over the past two years, the six players compiled a 64-18 overall record, have been consistently ranked in the Top 15 nationally, and only lost once at Bartels-Rode Gymnasium, which was rocking Thursday with the Jayhawk Sound pep band and pizza and pasta for the players and fans after the match.

Against Lake Michigan College,  Hulbert had two aces, Tjapkes nine digs, Kristina Ledezma (Grant, MI/Grant) three blocks, Julie Larson (Muskegon, MI/Fruitport) 30 assists, and Rachel Flagstead (Montague, MI/Montague) 13 kills.

Now 12-1 in the league and tied for first, the Jayhawks improved to 27-9 overall and will close out the regular season at Kalamazoo Valley next Tuesday night.

Grand Rapids CC Hands Volleyball Team Its First Conference Loss

Grand Rapids CC avenged an earlier loss this season to the 10th ranked MCC women’s volleyball squad by defeating the visiting Jayhawks 25-14, 25-20, 25-16 on Tuesday night ,

Both teams are 11-1 in the MCCAA Western Conference with two league matches left, but if both squads win out, GRCC holds the tiebreaker. The Raiders swept MCC in three games while the Jayhawks won the first match 3-2.

“We were in every single game early,” said MCC Coach Rick Rykse, his 26-9 squad hosting Lake Michigan College on Thursday at 5 p.m. in the home schedule finale. “The score was around 10-10 in each game, then they would just outplay us. They played about as good as they could, while we played OK. We didn’t step up tonight and I don’t know why. We just didn’t.”

Ashley Hulbert (Fruitport, MI/Fruitport) had a team-high 10 kills and a service ace. Julie Larson (Muskegon, MI/Fruitport) made 24 assists, while Alyssa Guarnaccia (St. John’s, MI/St. John’s) had 16 digs and Kristina Ledezma (Grant, MI/Grant) had two blocks.

The Jayhawks will host a pizza and pasta night following Thursday’s contest.

MCC Volleyball Goes 3-2 at Wisconsin Dells Tourney

The 10th ranked MCC women’s volleyball team won three of its five matches against strong competition at the Wisconsin Dells Center tournament on Friday and Saturday in Wisconsin.

The Jayhawks opened up Friday against 7th ranked Kishwaukee (IL) College. MCC fell 25-20, 25-18,25-15, but rebounded with a win over Nassau (NY) CC 25-10, 25-11, 25-12. In the day’s final match, Harper (IL) nipped MCC 23-25, 25-21, 16-25, 25-21, 15-13. On Saturday, MCC swept McHenry (IL) 25-15, 25-22, 25-14 and Carl Sandburg (IL) 25-22, 25-16, 25-19.

“We played very poorly this weekend,” said MCC Coach Rykse, his team now 26-8 overall and travelling to Grand Rapids CC on Tuesday for an important league match. “We weren’t focused. We played without energy. We were going through the motions.”

Rykse, who shared his frustration with the team during a meeting on Friday night, saw his squad respond on Saturday.

“If we would have gone out Friday and played the way we did on Saturday, the results would have been different,” he observed. “We just seem to have a hard time getting up for a match if it’s not against someone in the conference. They’ll be up for Grand Rapids on Tuesday, but hopefully not too fired up.”

Emily Tjapkes (Rothbury, MI/Shelby) led the Jayhawks with a dozen service aces and 67 digs. Julie Larson (Muskegon, MI/Fruitport) had 155 assists, Ashley Hulbert (Fruitport, MI/Fruitport) recorded 58 kills and Kristina Ledezma (Grant, MI/Grant) made 15 blocks.

10th Ranked Volleyball Defeats Ancilla; Readies for Wisconsin Dells Tournament

MCC defeated a feisty Ancilla College squad 25-22, 25-16, 25-20 on Thursday night in Donaldson, Ind., to stay unbeaten in conference play this season.

The Jayhawks, who moved from 13th to 10th in the national rankings, will put their 23-6 record to the test on Friday, when MCC faces 7th ranked Kishwaukee College in the first of five matches in the talent-laden Wisconsin Dells Tournament hosted by Kishwaukee.

MCC will also play Harper CC and Nassau CC, both ranked in the top 10 in NJCAA Div. III on Friday, then meet Carl Sandburg and McHenry on Saturday.

Jayhawks Coach Rick Ryske wasn’t pleased with his team’s play on Thursday but quickly credited Ancilla, now 1-10 in the league and 11-15 overall, with rising to the challenge.

Ashley Hulbert (Fruitport, MI/Fruitport) had 18 kills and a service ace for the Jayhawks, now 11-0 in the league. Julie Larson (Muskegon, MI/Fruitport) made 40 assists, Emily Tjapkes (Rothbury, MI/Shelby) hustled for 20 digs and Audrey Skrabis (Ravenna, MI/Kent City) made two blocks.

 

13th Ranked Volleyball Team Sweeps Jackson CC

For the third consecutive match, the 13th ranked MCC volleyball squad defeated the then-third place team in the Western Division, this time host Jackson CC, in three straight games.

The Jayhawks downed Jackson 25-14, 25-17, 25-18 on Tuesday night to remain atop the division with a perfect 10-0 mark. MCC’s previous wins — over Lansing CC and Kellogg CC — knocked each out of the third place slot.

The steady play of Audrey Skrabis (Ravenna, MI/Kent City), who had 11 kills and just a lone hitting error for the evening, paced the Jayhawks, who trailed only briefly in the match.

Julie Larson (Muskegon, MI/Fruitport) registered 32 assists while Alyssa Guarnaccia (St. John’s, MI/St. John’s) made 12 digs. Ashley Hulbert (Fruitport, MI/Fruitport) served three aces. Defensively, Kristina Ledezma (Grant, MI/Grant) had 12 blocks.

Now 22-6 overall, MCC travels to Ancilla College on Thursday.

Jayhawks Volleyball Defeats Lansing CC

Alyssa Guarnaccia led MCC in digs and aces against Lansing CC.The MCC women’s volleyball squad, which remained 13th in the nation in this week’s rankings, defeated visiting Lansing CC 25-13, 25-18, 25-22 on Thursday afternoon at Bartels-Rode Gymnasium.

Boosting its record to 21-6 and 9-0 in the MCCAA Western Conference, MCC never trailed in game one and only briefly and early in game two. In game three, the Jayhawks and Lansing were knotted on nine different occasions, the last time at 20-20, before the hosts held on for the sweep.

“Even though we didn’t pass well tonight, anytime you beat a team in three, you’re doing something right,” said MCC mentor Rick Rykse, who praised the setting of freshman Julie Larson (Muskegon, MI/Fruitport). Larson had a team-high 26 assists.

Ashley Hulbert (Fruitport, MI/Fruitport) and Audrey Skrabis (Ravenna, MI/Kent City) both had 10 kills, while Skrabis added four blocks. Sophomore Alyssa Guarnaccia (St. John’s, MI/St. John’s) paced MCC with her 13 digs and four service aces.

Lansing fell to 11-10 overall and 4-5 in conference play.

MCC Volleyball Dispatches Kellogg CC

The MCC volleyball squad, ranked 13th in the nation, easily downed host Kellogg CC 25-14, 25-18, 25-17 on Tuesday night to stay unbeaten in eight conference matches this season.

The Western Conference leaders are now 20-6 overall and welcoming Lansing CC to Bartels-Rode Gymnasium on Thursday at 5 p.m.

“The first time we played Kellogg this season, we beat them 3-1,” said MCC Coach Rick Rykse. “This time, we wanted to go out and set the tone from the first game that we’re a better team and we did. “

Kellogg falls to 4-4 in the league and 9-6 overall.

Alyssa Guarnaccia (St. John’s, MI/St. John’s) had 20 digs to pace the Jayhawks. Other MCC team stat leaders were: Ashley Hulbert (Fruitport, MI/Fruitport) with 15 kills, Julie Larson (Muskegon, MI/Fruitport) with 43 assists, Audrey Skrabis (Ravenna, MI/Kent City) with four blocks and Emily Tjapkes (Rothbury, MI/Shelby) with a trio of aces.

 

Volleyball Defeats Schoolcraft, St. Clair

The 13th ranked MCC volleyball squad defeated Schoolcraft CC and St. Clair CC ion Sunday at the Grand Rapids CC Tournament.

The Jayhawks downed Schoolcraft 25-18, 26-24, 25-15 and beat St. Clair 25-19, 25-19, 25-18.

“They are the second and third best teams in the MCCAA East, so we’ll probably end up seeing them in the state tournament,” said Jayhawks Coach Rick Rykse, whose team leads the Western Conference and has an 18-6 overall record.

The MCC mentor singled out the dominant play of his six-foot middle hitter Audrey Skrabis (Ravenna, MI/Kent City).

“She has played well for us this weekend and has made a huge difference for us all season,” he noted.

On Sunday, the Jayhawks were led by Ashley Hulbert (Fruitport, MI/Fruitport) with 36 kills and three aces, Julie Larson (Muskegon, MI/Fruitport) with 76 assists, Alyssa Guarnaccia (St. John’s, MI/St. John’s) with 30 digs and Rachel Flagstead (Montague, MI/Montague) with five blocks.

 

Volleyball Earns Split on Day One at Grand Rapids Tourney

The MCC women’s volleyball team lost to fifth-ranked Owens CC and defeated McHenry College on Saturday during the first day of competition at the Grand Rapids CC Tournament.

Owens downed MCC 25-17, 17-25, 25-23, 25-19 before the Jayhawks bounced back with a win over McHenry 25-15, 25-17, 23-25, 25-20.

“We played Owens better this time than we did the first time,” said MCC Coach Rick Rykse, whose squad lost in three tight games to Owens early in the season. “We hung with them but we didn’t make the plays when we needed to and they did. We’ve got to get more consistent.”

Rykse praised the play of his outside hitter Rachel Flagstead (Montague, MI/Montague). Statistically, the team leaders were Julie Larson (Muskegon, MI/Fruitport) with 86 assists, Ashley Hulbert (Fruitport, MI/Fruitport) with 38 kills, Alyssa Guarnaccia (St. John’s, MI/St. John’s) with 32 digs, Audrey Skrabis (Ravenna, MI/Kent City) with eight blocks and Taylor Keyser (Nunica, MI/Spring Lake) with three aces.

The Jayhawks will face Schoolcraft CC and St. Clair CC on Sunday in the tournament.

 

League-Leading MCC Volleyball Downs Kalamazoo Valley

The 13th ranked MCC women’s volleyball team defeated visiting Kalamazoo Valley 25-15, 24-26, 25-15, 25-15 on Thursday night to stay atop the MCCAA Western Conference with a perfect 7-0 league mark.

Audrey Skrabis with one of her four blocks.“I wasn’t happy with game two because we lost focus, but other than that I thought we played pretty well,” commented Jayhawks Coach Rick Rykse, whose squad will take its 16-5 mark into a talent-laden Grand Rapids CC Tournament this weekend.

“One person who really got us the momentum was Anna Teichthesen (Montague, MI/Montague), when she came in and served in game three. I told her that I needed her to get us a couple of points and she did.”

Freshman Julie Larson (Muskegon, MI/Fruitport) paced the Jayhawks with 41 assists. Taylor Keyser (Nunica, MI/Spring lake) had a team-high five aces and Ashley Hulbert (Fruitport, MI/Fruitport) had 15 kills. Alyssa Guarnaccia (St. John’s, MI/St. John’s) made 22 digs, while Audrey Skrabis (Ravenna, MI/Kent City) had four blocks.

MCC opens play with Owens CC, a team that beat them earlier this season, at the GRCC Tourney. The Jayhawks will also face Schoolcraft CC, McHenry and St. Clair.

“ There are no easy matches for us,” said Rykse. “It’ll be a test of how far have we come since we played them last.  Hopefully, a long ways.”
 

Ashley Hulbert Named National Player of the Week; Jayhawks Volleyball Advances to 13th in Nation

MCC outside hitter Ashley Hulbert (Fruitport, MI/Fruitport) was named the Div. II Volleyball National Player of the Week by the National Junior College Athletic Association on Sept. 28.

The 5-10 sophomore earned the prestigious honor for her double-doubles in victories over Ancilla College and fifth-ranked Grand Rapids CC. Hulbert has 20 kills and 10 digs against Ancilla and 23 kills and 11 digs against GRCC.

Meanwhile, the Jayhawks moved up in the national rankings to the No.13 spot, having previously been ranked 20th in the country.

20th Ranked Volleyball Sweeps Lake Michigan CC

The MCC women’s volleyball squad, ranked 20th in the nation, defeated Lake Michigan CC 25-19, 25-15, 25-13 on Tuesday night in Benton Harbor to remain unbeaten in conference play.

Alone atop the Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA) Western Conference, the Jayhawks were tested in the opening game, said MCC Coach Rick Rykse.

“We turned it on after that,” he added. “Everyone got a chance to play for us.”

Julie Larson (Muskegon, MI/Fruitport) had a team-high 38 assist and three aces. Ashley Hulbert (Fruitport, MI/Fruitport) paced the visitors with 14 kills, while Audrey Skrabis (Ravenna, MI/Kent City) made five blocks and Alyssa Guarnaccia (St. John’s, MI/St. John’s) registered seven digs. Lake Michigan CC dropped to 10-12 overall and 1-5 in the MCCAA.

MCC, which expects to move up when the new national rankings come out on Sept. 28, improved to 15-5 overall and 6-0 in the league. The team hosts Kalamazoo Valley, the only divisional opponent the Jayhawks have not faced this season, at 5 p.m. on Thursday in Bartels-Rode Gymnasium.

Following the match, the Jayhawks are hosting a Chili Cook-off, with free chili being served to the opposing team as well as the spectators on hand.

“It’s something that I did at the school I was at before,” explained Coach Rykse. “I want our matches to be more than just the game. It should be fun.”

Volleyball Beats Fifth Ranked Grand Rapids CC; Jayhawks Own Western Division Lead

Audrey Skrabis (5) and Julie Larson (1) caused problems for Grand Rapids CC on Thursday night at MCC.MCC volleyball displayed its passing prowess and a hearty dose of grit in dispatching fifth ranked Grand Rapids CC in five games before a vocal crowd at Bartels-Rode Gymnasium on Thursday night.

The Jayhawks outdistanced their visitors 25-21, 25-17, 27-29, 25-27, 15-11 in the battle for sole possession of first place in the Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA) Western Conference. MCC is now 5-0 in the league and 14-5 overall, while GRCC falls to 3-1 in the conference and 12-4 overall.

“We set the tone right from the first serve,” said MCC coach Rick Rykse, who team raced to a 6-0 lead in the initial game. “We were intense. When we pass the ball well, we’re impossible to stop and Julie Larson (Muskegon, MI/Fruitport), who hasn’t had a bad match all season, played her best this year in those first two games.”

Larson, who finished with 48 assists, guided the potent attack for the Jayhawks, who never trailed in the first game. MCC trailed 12-10 in game two when Coach Rykse called a timeout. His charges responded with the next 10 unanswered points en route to a 25-17 win.

MCC players celebrate on the court after sweeping the first six points in game one against GRCC.Ashley Hulbert (Fruitport, MI/Fruitport) led MCC on the night with 27 kills, while Audrey Skrabis (Ravenna, MI/Kent City) had five blocks, Rachel Flagstead (Montague, MI/Montague) recorded three aces and Alyssa Guarnaccia (St. John’s, MI/St. John’s) hustled for 27 digs.

MCC nearly swept the match in straight games. Trailing 24-21 in game three, the Jayhawks battled back to lead 25-24, 26-25 and 27-26, but they could not finish off their visitors who tallied three straight points to win the game.

Game four was a see-saw battle with the score tied on 14 different occasions, including MCC coming from behind to even the game at 22-22, 23-23, 24-24 and 25-25 before losing and forcing a final game.

In that deciding game, the Jayhawks bolted to leads of 3-0 and 6-2, then successfully fended of four successive Grand Rapids rallies and never fell behind to win 15-11.

MCC is idle until next Tuesday when the team travels to Benton Harbor to face Lake Michigan College.

Volleyball Cruises Past Ancilla 3-0; First Place Showdown with Grand Rapids Thursday

The MCC women’s volleyball team swept Ancilla 25-13, 25-20, 25-23 on Tuesday in Bartels-Rode Gymnasium, setting up a showdown at home with nationally ranked Grand Rapids CC on Thursday for sole possession of the league lead.

Julie Larson (1), with one of her 30 assists, sets up teammate Kristina Ledezma (6).“We played everybody on our roster tonight,” said Jayhawks Coach Rick Ryske, whose squad upped its record to 13-5 overall and 4-0 in the conference. Ancilla dropped to 3-7 and 0-4.

Grand Rapids CC, currently ranked second in the nation, has yet to lose in Michigan Community College Athletic Association play.The match starts Thursday at 5 pm. in Bartels-Rode Gymnasium.

Against Ancilla, Ashley Hulbert (Fruitport, MI/Fruitport) paced the Jayhawks with 20 kills and nine digs. Julie Larson (Muskegon, MI/Fruitport) had 30 assists, Taylor Keyser (Nunica, MI/Spring Lake) had a pair of aces and Audrey Skrabis (Ravenna, MI/Kent City) recorded seven blocks.

 

Volleyball Wins Two of Three at Kankakee

The MCC women’s volleyball squad went 2-1 at the Kankakee CC Quad held on Saturday in Kankakee, Ill.

The Jayhawks defeated Judson 25-19, 25-13, 25-13 in the opener, then fell to Parkland CC, ranked eighth nationally, 13-25, 20-25, 25-15, 13-25. MCC closed the competition defeating the host Kankakee CC team 27-25, 25-18, 25-23.

“We played very good for 90 percent of the time,” noted MCC Coach Rick Rykse, who team is now 12-5 overall. “We had a few let-ups. We are playing some pretty good teams, but there’s definitely some room for improvement.”

Ashley Hulbert (Fruitport, MI/Fruitport) paced MCC with 46 kills for the three contests. Julie Larson (Muskegon, MI/Fruitport) had a team-high 93 assists. Karlee Schreur (Zeeland, MI/West) recorded nine aces, Alyssa Guarnaccia (St. John’s, MI/St. John’s) had 37 digs and Audrey Skrabis (Ravenna, MI/Kent City) had eight blocks.

League-Leading MCC Spikers Blank Jackson

The MCC women’s volleyball squad remained unblemished in league play after sweeping Jackson CC 25-19, 25-19, 25-20 on Thursday night in Bartels-Rode Gymnasium.

MCC improved its Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA) record to 3-0 and its overall mark to 10-4. Jackson falls to 0-3 in the conference and 3-6 overall.

“We were able to beat a good Jackson team by being focused the entire match,” said Jayhawks Coach Rick Rykse, whose squad travels to Kankakee (Ill.) CC Quad on Saturday along with Judson CC and Parkland CC.

Ashley Hulbert (Fruitport, MI/Fruitport) led the hosts with 13 kills, while Julie Larson (Muskegon, MI/Fruitport) had a team-high 30 assists and two aces. Alyssa Guarnaccia (St. John’s, MI/St. John’s) paced MCC with 10 digs and Kristina Ledezma (Grant, MI/Grant) had a trio of blocks.

Volleyball Beats Lansing CC to Stay Atop Western Conference

The visiting MCC volleyball squad swept Lansing CC 25-21, 25-21, 25-23 on Tuesday evening to stay atop the Western Conference of the Michigan Community College Athletic Association.

Now 2-0 in league play and 9-4 overall, the Jayhawks were led by Ashley Hulbert (Fruitport, MI/Fruitport) with 14 kills, Alyssa Guarnaccia (St. John’s, MI/St. John’s) with 17 digs, Rachel Flagstead (Montague, MI/Montague) with five blocks and Julie Larson (Muskegon, MI/Fruitport) with 27 assists.

Lansing falls to 1-1 in the conference and 7-3 overall.

“Lansing played very tough tonight but we stepped up and rose to the challenge,” said MCC mentor Rick Ryske, whose team returns to action at home Thursday afternoon at 5 p.m. in Bartels-Rode Gymnasium.

All-Tourney Pick Hulbert Paces MCC Volleyball at Lindenwood Tourney

Sophomore outside hitter Ashley Hulbert (Fruitport, MI/Fruitport) had 55 kills to pace the MCC volleyball unit to a 2-2 mark at the Lindenwood University Tournament in St. Charles, Mo. On Friday and Saturday.

On Friday, Mineral Area College defeated MCC 17-25, 25-14, 25-15, 25-17 before the Jayhawks rebounded to beat Lewis & Clark CC 25-18, 19-25, 25-18, 26-24. On Saturday, 16th ranked East Central downed MCC 17-25, 25-15, 25-22, 25-20 in the first match, then MCC upset 15th ranked Lincoln Land CC 25-15, 25-19, 25-15 .

Hulbert was named to the all-tournament squad. MCC stats leaders included:  Julie Larson (Muskegon, MI/Fruitport) with 143 assists, Kristina Ledezma (Grant, MI/Grant) with 11 blocks, Allysa Guarnaccia (St. John’s, MI/St. John’s) with 65 digs and Rachel Flagstead (Montague, MI/Montague) with seven aces.

The 8-4 Jayhawks return to action on Tuesday with a 6:30 p.m. match at Lansing CC.

 

 

MCC Volleyball Beats Undefeated Kellogg CC

The MCC Jayhawks volleyball squad has had Kellogg CC in its sights since last season, when the Bruins handed MCC its only home loss. History did not repeat itself on Thursday as the Jayhawks downed their undefeated visitors 25-15, 17-25, 25-18, 25-16 in the conference opener for both squads.

AUdrey Skrabis (left) and Ashley Hulbert were among the MCC statistical leaders against Kellogg CC.Now 6-2 overall, MCC befuddled the Bruins, who fell to 5-1, with an astonishing .500 hitting percentage for the match in Bartels-Rode Gymnasium.
“When we passed the ball well, they couldn’t stop us,” said MCC skipper Rick Ryske, adding that was most of the match. “Julie Larson (Muskegon, MI/Fruitport) played extremely well. Except for the second game, they didn’t have an idea where Julie was setting the ball. She ran an exceptional offense.”

Sophomore middle hitter Audrey Skrabis (Ravenna, MI/Kent City) finished with a .786 hitting mark. “That’s unreal,” noted Ryske, adding that the Jayhawks team hitting effort is something he’s never experienced as a coach.

Ashley Hulbert (Fruitport, MI/Fruitport) had a team-high 18 kills,while Alyssa Guarnaccia (St. John’s, MI/St. John’s) paced the hosts with her 18 digsAlyssa Guarnaccia gets out of the way of Jayhawks teammate Rachel Flagstead's return volley on Thursday night at Bartels-Rode Gymnasium.. Larson led the Jayhawks with 43 assists.

A trio of MCC players – Hulbert,Emily Tjapkes (Rothbury, MI/Shelby) and Taylor Keyser (Nunica, MI/Spring Lake) – each had three aces. Defensively, middle hitter Kristina Ledezma (Grant, MI/Grant) registered six blocks and Skrabis had five.

MCC travels to St. Charles, Mo., this weekend for matches on Friday and Saturday at the Lindenwood University Tournament.
 

Jayhawks Spikers Avenge Loss to Columbus

The MCC women’s volleyball team avenged a weekend loss to Columbus State CC before running out of steam in a nightcap loss to nationally ranked Owens CC on Tuesday night at the Oakland CC Tri Meet in Waterford, Mich.

Now 5-2 overall, the Jayhawks defeated Columbus 25-18,23-25, 25-14, 25-18 to atone for the loss in three straight games a few days earlier. Owens CC, ranked ninth in the country, nipped MCC 27-25, 25-16, 25-21.

“We were ahead for most of the first game,” said first year MCC skipper Rick Rykse, admitting that Owens’ come-from-behind effort in that contest, coupled with the stifling heat in the Oakland gymnasium, deflated his Jayhawks. “If we had won the first game, the outcome might have been different. But we also had too many errors.”

Freshman setter Julie Larson (Muskegon, MI/Fruitport) had a team-high 61 assists and four aces, while sophomore Alyssa Guarnaccia (St. John’s, MI/St. John’s) posted 35 digs. Sophomore Ashley Hulbert (Fruitport, MI/Fruitport) registered 32 kills and sophomore Audrey Skrabis (Ravenna, MI/Kent City) made 12 blocks.

MCC is idle until Sept. 8 when the Jayhawks face Kellogg CC at 5 p.m. at Bartels-Rode Gym in the 2011 home opener.

Women’s Volleyball Jumps to a 4-1 Start

The MCC women’s volleyball squad opened its season on Friday and Saturday by posting four wins in five matches at the Central Ohio Invitational in Piqua, Ohio. Coach Rick Ryske’s Jayhawks defeated Sinclair CC 25-16, 25-27, 25-14, 25-12 and Edison CC 25-18, 25-20,25-17 on Friday afternoon. Columbus State CC handed MCC its lone loss in three straight games, 25-20, 25-21, 25-19, in Saturday’s opener.

The Jayhawks then outlasted Iowa Central 17-25, 27-25, 19-25, 25-17, 15-8 and closed play by downing Lakeland CC 25-13, 25-20, 25-14. Sophomore outside hitter Ashley Hulbert (Fruitport, MI/Fruitport) paced the Jayhawks with 74 kills, while sophomore middle hitter Audrey Skrabis (Ravenna, MI/Kent City) spearheaded the offense with her .424 on 66 attempts and led the defense with 18 blocks. Coach Ryske also lauded the play of his freshmen setter Julie Larson (Muskegon, MI/Fruitport).

“We were hoping for a 5-0 start, but we played some real strong teams,” he noted. “Columbus State was the better team today, but we get another chance against them on Tuesday.” MCC travels to Oakland CC in Waterford, MI, on Tuesday, when they play a rematch with Columbus State and then face Owens CC.