Nov. 20, 2024, CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The 12th ranked Grand Rapids Community College volleyball team faced a tough battle in their opening match of the NJCAA National Championship in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Matched against the formidable Heartland Community College Hawks, who entered the tournament with an impressive 35-7 record and a No. 4 ranking, the Raiders fought hard but ultimately fell in three straight sets: 25-19, 25-14, and 25-13.

Despite the loss, GRCC, carrying a strong 25-2 record into the tournament, showcased their resilience and grit. Key contributors for the Raiders included Taylor Kik, who led the team offensively with eight kills. Lillian Peterson added seven kills and a block, while middle blocker Sophia Ritsema contributed with a team-high four blocks and three kills.

The match took place in the energetic atmosphere of the Alliant Energy PowerHouse, with players and fans alike energized by the national stage. Despite their opening-round loss, GRCC remains focused on bouncing back in the tournament as they aim to leave a mark at the championship.

For the Raiders, this first match served as both a challenge and a reminder of the competition's intensity. They will look to regroup, refine their strategy, and take the lessons from this match into their next outing, determined to show why they earned their spot among the nation's best junior college volleyball programs.

GRCC's next match will be Nov. 21 at 1 pm against the winner of the 9 am match.  

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Interested in supporting GRCC Athletics?  All donations can be done through GRCC Athletic's Scholarship Fund and can specify what scholarship fund the gift is going to, such as the Hofmann scholarship. If you have any questions on how to support Athletics at Grand Rapids Community College, contact the Athletic Department via phone at (616) 234-3883 or email grccathletics@grcc.edu. Any support is appreciated and goes towards assisting our student-athlete scholarship funds.