Johnson County Community College
Press Release
College Information and Publications
913-469-8500
Julie Haas, Director, ext. 3120
Peggy Graham, Writer, ext. 3425
Tyler Cundith, Sports Information Director, ext. 3122
August 25, 2005
by Tyler Cundith
JCCC Volleyball Set to Open 2005 Campaign
OVERLAND PARK, KS -- The 2005 Johnson County Community College volleyball team begins its quest to return to the NJCAA Division II National Tournament this weekend when they play in the Iowa Western Tournament in Council Bluffs, Iowa. JCCC opens its home slate Wednesday, Aug. 31, against Fort Scott. That match is schedule to begin at 6:30 p.m.
Last year, JCCC registered one of the best season's in team history, finishing with a 27-5 record. The team finished runner-up in the East Jayhawk Conference and Region VI Tournament. Individually, six players earned postseason accolades, and four of those players return for their sophomore season in 2005.
Headlining that group is outside hitter Emily Escher of Topeka, Kan. (Hayden). Escher quickly became a major force on the floor, and proved to be one of the team’s top hitters. She garnered All-District K second-team and East Jayhawk All-Conference second-team honors. She also ranked among the NJCAA leaders in kills per game.
Other key returnees are All-District middle hitter Katie Jaschke of Merriam, Kan. (Shawnee Mission North), All-District middle hitter Ashley Simmons of El Dorado Springs, Mo. (El Dorado) and all-conference setter Christine Watson of Fontana, Kan. (Prairie View). Jaschke also established herself as one of the top hitters in the region, and expectations are high again for her in 2005. Last year she finished third on the team in hitting percentage and second in blocks.
Simmons demonstrated an ability to be a solid blocker last season. She led the squad in blocks with 128, and recorded the second highest serving percentage at .956, which ranks 14th all-time at JCCC. She averaged 1.6 blocks per game last season, which ranked 14th in the country. She also ranked 34th nationally in hitting efficiency.
Watson had a solid campaign while filling the shoes of an All-American. She recorded 809 assists, the 10th-best season total in team history. Her 9.29 assist-per-game average ranked 23rd in the NJCAA.
Rounding out the veteran talent are middle Kristen Busboom of St. Louis, Mo. (Eureka) and outside hitter Lindsey Carpenter of Moundridge, Kan.
In addition to this veteran group of sophomores, head coach Jill Stinson has added six talented newcomers who look to make an impact his season. Those six players are Chelsea Davison of Oak Grove, Mo.; Emily Goodlin of Lansing, Kan.; Amanda Hester of Lenexa, Kan.; Lauren Kracl of Eudora, Kan.; Katherine Latenser of Kansas City, Mo.; and Whitney Segrist of Lyndon, Kan.
Of the newcomers, Kracl has inside track to make the biggest immediate impact. She played at Missouri Western University last year and earned honorable mention All-MIAA after leading the Griffons in attack percentage, blocks per game and total blocks.
"Lauren is an outstanding athlete who has the ability to dominate a match," said JCCC head coach Jill Stinson. "I expect her to be a force at the net offensively and defensively. She will be a leader for this team."
