Oct. 3, 2006

The NJC volleyball team breezed through the Midland (Tex.) Tournament until the championship game.

Head Coach Marci Henry's team defeated three opponents in the minimum nine games to reach the finals.

The Plainswomen thumped Temple and Seward County, three games to none, in pool play.

NJC also defeated Midland, 3-0, before dropping the championship game to the host team in the rematch.

The Plainswomen overcame an early deficit and a hostile Midland fan base to get the win and remain undefeated in the tournament.

"The Friday night Game One win over Midland was a come from behind win," Henry said. "We showed a ton of composure and maturity in the win."

In the rematch on Saturday, Midland set the tone with a 30-26 win in Game One. The home team followed with a 31-29 victory in Game Two.

NJC fought back to win the third game in convincing fashion, 30-12.

But Midland would not be denied in its home gym behind its fans, beating NJC 31-29 in Game Four to seal the tournament title.

"Day Two against Midland we didn't play well and still had opportunities to win," Henry said. "Defensively we weren't as strong as the day before, but we were still competitive."

Henry saw her team in a new light after NJC's 3-1 performance at Midland.

"I learned that I really appreciate my team," she said. "They are hard workers, consistent and display good sportsmanship."

NJC freshman Addi Radke was named Offensive MVP of the tournament and freshman Thais Hollerbach was named to the All-Tournament team.

Radke's offensive output included 57 kills, eight aces and 79 assists for the tournament.

Hollerbach helped the Plainswomen to three wins with 67 kills, 17 aces, 45 assists and 49 digs.

The Plainswomen destroyed Trinidad at home on Sunday fresh off a 13-hour bus ride.

"We played hard despite the unusual circumstances of the night before," Henry said.

Road weary NJC made quick work of Trinidad in three games; 30-19, 30-18 and 30-19.

Henry said her team "blocked extremely well" in the conference win.

Radke and Hollerbach recorded two solo blocks each. Hollerbach added eight digs and a team-high three aces.

Brittany Palmer led the Plainswomen with 17 assists.

With the win, NJC moved its record to 23-5 on the season.