Pratt, Kan. – The Pratt Community College (PCC) volleyball team kicks off Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC) play tonight by hosting Butler Community College (BCC). Game time is set for 6:30 PM.
"Our defense is going to have be strong and our block is going to have to be set up where they should be," said Head Volleyball Coach Brittany Urenda. "Butler has Ivy Fink coming back and she is a power hitter for sure. They have a new middle from Maize and she is very talented as well."
The Beavers wrapped up their first three games of the season this past Monday, August 29th at Lamar Community College (LCC) in Lamar, CO. After dropping the first set 23-25 the Beavers went on to take a 2-1 lead (25-15, 25-12) heading into the fourth set. The team dropped set four 20-25 forcing a fifth set. Lamar was able to hold on in set five (12-15) to win the match 3-2. This is the second match of the season where the Beavers dropped a match after holding a 2 set advantage.
Pratt picked up their first win of the season on Saturday, August 27th against the Friends University (JV) Falcons. The Beavers were able to sweep the Falcons 3-0 in the match in front a packed Beaver Dome. Sophomore Reagan Osterhaus lead the team with 18 total attacks including 12 kills. Sophomore libero Brooke Tholen had 17 digs in the match.
"We are still trying to work out some kinks. We have started with the same six, maybe seven the last couple of games," said Coach Urenda. "Last night at practice we switched it up and found some things that might work a little bit better."
Conference play begins with three straight home games. The first is this evening against Butler. The Blue Dragons of Hutchinson Community College (HCC) come to Pratt a week from today on Wednesday, September 7th. Finally, Garden City Community College (GCCC) will take part in a tri-tournament on September 10th with Otero College (OC).
"We are ready to shock people this year, but that takes a whole difference mindset then what we had the first three games," said Coach Urenda.