Springfield, IL-- The Marshalltown Community College volleyball team opened its NJCAA Division I era with a pair of losses to two quality opponents at the Lincoln Land Logger Invitational on Friday. The Tigers fell 3-0 to Laramie County Community College and dropped a 3-1 decision to host Lincoln Land Community College.
The Tigers, playing in their first season at the Division I level, dropped three close sets to Laramie County, falling 25-27, 22-25, and 22-25. Against the Loggers, a consistent contender in the Division I rankings every year, the Tigers managed to take a set, but fell by scores of 23-25, 17-25, 25-17, and 20-25.
In the opening match, Kayla Prosser (Eldora, IA/South Hardin) made an immediate impact in her first career appearance for the Tigers, recording nine kills and 18 assists, both team highs. Jena Boisen (Garrison, IA/Union) tallied 20 digs while Reeba Box (Liscomb, IA/BCLUW) totaled 12. Sam Hinrichs (Ankeny, IA/Ankeny) registered 14 assists in head coach Chris Brees' new style of play that incorporates two setters.
In the nightcap against the Loggers, Prosser continued to make her presence felt immediately for MCC as the rookie joined Mady Van Metre (Marshalltown, IA/Ames) with a team-high 10 kills. Prosser's kill total came in just 13 attempts for a .769 hitting percentage in the match. Prosser and Hinrichs teamed up for a total of 33 assists.
The Tigers close out play at the Logger Invitational with two matches set for tomorrow morning. MCC will open up against Lake Land College, ranked No. 11 in the NJCAA Division I preseason poll, at 9:00 AM and will wrap things up at 11:00 AM against Joliet College.