2022 Women's Volleyball Season Review
The 2022 Eagle volleyball season would be considered both a challenging and winning year. The Eagles posted a mark of 19-17, which included periodic NCCAA Top 10 rankings, second place MCCC Conference standing, and reaching the semi-finals of the North NCCAA Region. The 2022 campaign had the Eagles playing 12 matches against either top 10 teams and/or 3 of the 4 national semi-finalists in the 2022 National Tournament. The schedule also presented numerous NAIA and NCAA Division III competition.
Coming off the 2021 NCCAA national tournament appearance, Senior captains Morgan Stephens and Rachel Kleczka led the Eagles into action with an early season 3-1 record, with the only loss coming in a five-game set to Marshalltown Community College. The team then moved into a weekend of conference games, winning an exciting 5-game set against Barclay College and nearly upsetting defending conference champion Manhattan Christian College in a dramatic 5-game set.
The Eagles then set out on the road for 8 consecutive away matches. Success was experienced with the Eagles going 5-3 including a sweep of MCCC conference matches. However, the Eagles found themselves going 3-6 in the midst of defensive and offensive struggles in the following home and away games.
"We had a portion in the middle of the year like all teams where we found ourselves struggling. We would have a good outing and then follow up with mediocre play. But I give credit to our players that they stayed the course and finished in winning fashion" noted coach Nihart.
Coach Nihart's reference to staying the course found the Eagles playing final 4 finalist Maranatha Baptist University in back-to-back matches, final 4 finalist Manhattan Christian, and eventual 2022 national runner up Arlington Baptist in consecutive away matches. While the Eagles were unable to capture any victories, they found themselves meeting the challenges and resetting their year.
Moving into the MCCC Conference Tournament the Eagles were seeded as the number two team. Capturing a strong victory against Ozark Christian College the Eagles again met nationally ranked Manhattan Christian for the tournament title. Faith battled but came up short and set their sights on the NCCAA North Region play-offs. The Eagles entered as the #4 seed and defeated #5 Trinity Bible College. The next foe was #1 Maranatha Baptist University, ending the Eagles hope of returning to the national tournament.
"There were a number of times during the year our team responded with needed victories. They had a tremendous year and one that will bode well for us in the future. Many times, we had 3 freshmen on the floor who contributed significantly to our success. Coach Erin Davis and I are looking forward to a good core of players returning next year. Our senior captains Morgan and Rachel have done a tremendous job of moving our program forward every year they competed. Their freshman year we had gym renovation, their sophomore year was largely labeled as a COVID 19 year, and last year they led us to the 2021 NCCAA National Tournament. We will be forever grateful for their contribution over the past 4 years'', noted Nihart.
Morgan Stephens received honorable mention MCCC all-conference honors, Libero of the Year in the North region, and 2nd team all-region honors. Junior Audrey Holbert received MCCC honorable mention and 2nd team all-region honors. Rachel Kleczka received first team MCCC honors, 1st team all-region honors, and significantly NCCAA All-American honors! "Rachel deserved her All-American recognition. Since a freshmen Rachel has stayed true to her commitment to Eagle volleyball and grown tremendously has a player, mentor, and captain. We are extremely proud of her accomplishments," stated coach Nihart.
The Eagles improved in team statistics during 2022 in areas of blocking, hitting efficiencies and defensive marks. Kleczka led the team in kills with 293 and 2.33 per set, and blocking with .73 per set, and serving aces with 47 or .37 per set. Freshmen setter Reagan McPeek had 488 assists or 3.90 per set. Morgan Stephens for consecutive years led the team in total digs with 537 or 4.26 per set. Junior Audrey Holbert the lone all-around player on the team finished second in hitting 211 kills or 1.69, second in digs with 448 or 3.58 per set.
FBBC Team Awards
Team MVP: Reagan McPeek
Coaches Award: Grace Bolyard
Most Improved Player: Mercedez Long
