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Cyclones wrap up season in playoffs with individual honors

Cyclones wrap up season in playoffs with individual honors
Posted: Nov 22, 2021

The Cyclone volleyball team was happy to have a more regular season than last year, and they played into the playoffs and saw four players earn honors.

They still had to contend with precautions due to COVID-19, resulting in the team being unable to compete in one tri-match and rescheduling a couple matches, but they played a tight schedule and finished 15-6 overall and 5-2 in the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference. Their third place finish in conference was not where they typically land, but some injuries and absences lent to a less consistent team flow.

In early November, the Cyclones started their run in the playoffs with a quick defeat of Elgin Community College in the quarterfinals, but a loss the next day to Carl Sandburg College in the semifinals ended the season.

"The 2021 season brought a lot of success, but it also came with many challenges and a few tough losses. COVID-19 limited the match schedule, but we focused on a competitive atmosphere in practice to prepare for the matches that we were able to play," said Head Coach Lauren Lorenz, who completed her sixth season leading the program. "We dealt with injuries periodically and unfortunately did not go into regionals or the conference championship at full strength. Despite that, we found a lot of success."

Playing a part in the successes of the team were sophomore setter Nicole Ramirez and freshman middle hitter Abby Sarich. Both were named to the All-Conference first team and All-Region team. Sarich also was nominated for All-American. She averaged 5.2 points per set, which ranked her No. 8 in the NJCAA Division II. She also was 16th for kills per set with 4.05. Sophomore middle Takiyah Clark and freshman outside hitter Jaelyn Donald each earned All-Conference second team honors while Donald additionally was named to the All-Region team.

"The growth and tenacity that this team showed was very impressive," Lorenz said. "Many freshmen stepped into large roles very early on. With key players returning and new recruits coming in, the 2022 season looks to be very promising!"