Cedar Rapids, IA - The seventh-ranked ICC volleyball team (33-11) continued to battle their way through the NJCAA National Tournament on Friday afternoon, taking on a familiar foe in Region 24 rival and 10th-ranked Heartland. It presented a unique challenge, with the Cougars having defeated the Hawks in five sets in both the regular season and district tournament in 2023. ICC took control, roaring to a 2-0 set lead. The Hawks would take a third set to prevent a sweep, but the Cougars came back and knocked out the Hawks in a thrilling two-point fourth set. ICC will play in a few hours against #4 Johnson County in the Third Place Quarterfinal. The Cavaliers bested the Cougars in five sets earlier this season.

#7 ICC COUGARS 3, #10 HEARTLAND 1 (25-18, 25-22, 23-25, 26-24)
Kills | Emily Allison (17), Kaitlyn Baumann (11), Hannah Tellor (10), Amber Brawley (10)
Assists | Shelby Emich (50)
Digs | Emily Cronkhite (32), Makenzie Pflederer (18), Emily Allison (18), Shelby Emich (15), Hannah Tellor (13)
Solo Blocks | Makenzie Pflederer (1), Kaitlyn Baumann (1), Amber Brawley (1)
Block Assists | Kaitlyn Baumann (4), Emily Allison (2)
Aces | Emily Allison (2), Hannah Tellor (2)

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE COUGARS
2023 NJCAA Third Place Quarterfinal
vs. #4 Johnson County Cavaliers (34-4)
Friday, November 17th - 6:00 PM CST
@ Alliant Energy Powerhouse Arena - Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Watch Live ($) (NJCAA Network)
Live Stats (Free) (PrestoSports)