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DMACC Volleyball Team Debuts at Johnson County Tourney
Four ranked teams stand in the way of a successful 2010 debut for the Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) women’s volleyball team as it opens the season Friday and Saturday at the Johnson County Tournament in Overland Park, Kan.
The Bears, ranked fifth in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II Preseason Poll, will join third-ranked Parkland, No. 4 Johnson County, No. 12 Kiswaukee and No. 18 East Central in the tournament.
“We’re very excited,” said DMACC coach Patty Harrison. “It’s time to take the test and see where we need to begin and what changes we need to make. Friday and Saturday are going to be challenging.”
DMACC, which has advanced to the NJCAA Division II National Championships the past four seasons, will be looking to make it five in a row behind a nucleus of experienced and talented sophomores. Defensive specialist Sarah Tjaden (East Sac County), setter Natalie Weis (Bettendorf), outside hitters Christina Richter (Algona Biship Garrigan), Mikayla Overturn (Central Springs) and Sarah Davidson (Springville) and middle hitter tiffany Bormann (Preston) saw considerable action in 2009 and will provide the leadership in 2010.
“We have a strong sophomore leadership class,” Harrison said. “(Natalie Weis) has worked very hard in the preseason and she’s really speeded up the game.”
The roster includes 12 freshmen, most of who come from outstanding high school programs.
“They are used to playing under pressure and used to winning so it will be exciting to see them tested against very good athletes as well as very good programs,” Harrison said.
Harrison said she has seen hard work and team chemistry developing during the preseason.
“A lot of freshmen have really stepped up quickly and accepted that challenge of vying for a starting spot right off the bat,” Harrison said. “Our scrimmages have been outstanding. We have a lot of depth this year and we’re a great defensive team. We’ll take our bumps and bruises, but that’s all part of the game and the road trip to get to the national championships.”
The goal is, of course, to return to the Division II national championships.
“There’s a big bulls eye on our backs, but we like the pressure, we like the challenges,” Harrison said. “If anything, we’ll be entertaining.”
The journey to that goal will take the Bears through a rugged non-conference schedule in addition to facing quality opposition in the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference.
“My coaching philosophy is always to play the best teams you can find on your route to the national teams and see those teams that hopefully you will play if and when you get to the national tournament. Playing them repeatedly helps a lot. It’s a very exciting time for DMACC and we’re so ready for the challenges.”