Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Emma Bilhimer of Iowa Central hits the ball over the net earlier this season inside Hodges Fieldhouse.

CEDAR RAPIDS — The Iowa Central volleyball team dropped a tough five-setter to Pensacola State here Wednesday at the NJCAA Div. II Championships.

Scores were 20-25, 25-21, 16-25, 26-24 and 15-12.

The Tritons (31-6 overall) will compete in the consolation second round back here on Thursday at 1 p.m. while Pensacola State (32-2) advances to the quarterfinals at 5:30 p.m.

“It was quite the battle,” ICCC head coach Sara Horn said. “They came in with 31 wins and only 3 losses, so we knew they’d be really tough. We had opportunities to win in set four and again in set five, but we just couldnt put it away in those tight moments.

“We made a couple uncharacteristic mistakes in set four where we let two balls drop, and we don’t typically do that. Credit to Pensacola for adding onto the pressure in addition to the pressure of the national tournament.

“We did do a lot of great things, however, so our eyes are now set on third place. It’s a dogfight in the losers bracket, with potentially five more matches to get 3rd, but our players are definitely motivated to keep fighting, so we’re happy to keep on playing more volleyball.”

Noemia Chiacchio had 18 kills and four blocks to lead the way for Iowa Central. Emily Goodner and Emma Bilhimer each had 11 kills with Olivia Sturgis adding nine.

Mercedes Madlock dished out 42 assists and Mya McClain eight. McClain also had 24 digs in the match and Alexis Hiracheta added 13.

Sturgis also had nine blocks with Goodner adding four and Araya Garrison three.

For Pensacola State, Anyaliz Rodriguez had 20 kills and both Riley Carter and Cadence Goeden added nine each. Kiara Vega had 42 assists and 22 digs.

Both fellow ICCAC foes Des Moines Area and Kirkwood picked up victories in the opening rounds, as the Bears knocked off Grand Rapids in five and the Eagles swept Heartland.