CEDAR RAPIDS — The Iowa Central volleyball team lost a tight five-set match in the NJCAA national tournament on Friday.

The Tritons (30-9 overall) officially placed ninth overall after losing to Illinois Central (42-14).

Illinois Central won the first set, 25-15. The Tritons bounced back with 25-13 and 25-18 victories. Illinois Central then prevailed in the final two games, 25-16 and 15-12.

“We are incredibly proud of this team,” said ICCC head coach Sara Horn. “They were an incredibly easy team to coach as they worked hard, got along great, and did what they were supposed to do both on and off the court.

“We will have multiple academic all-region picks, and they are not only great players, but great people.”

Tayla Sampson led the Tritons with 16 kills, while Manson Northwest Webster graduates Emily Goodner (12) and Olivia Sturgis (10) reached double-digit kills.

Natalie Hagadon had 23 digs, while Olivia Benson had 10.

“We will miss our 11 sophomores,” Horn said. “We wish them nothing but the best with their futures and are excited to see where they go in their futures.”