Nation’s Best Junior College Players take over Minnesota

<p>  The Minnesota State High State Tournament is in full swing, but that’s not the only great volleyball happening in our state this weekend.  The best junior college players from all around country have proven their talent by qualifying for the national championship tournament held in Rochester, Minnesota.  Teams from Texas, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and even Minnesota will compete all weekend.</p> <p>  As part of the tournament committee, I believe it important to bring awareness to the incredible level of play and the young athletes participating in the NJCAA.  The national tournament has been held at at the Rochester Regional Sports Center and hosted by the Rochester Sports Commission and Rochester Community &amp; Technical College for the last several years.  This year, the tournament has increased in size and talent, bringing the 12 top teams versus eight in the past.  </p> <p>  Here are 10 of the best competing this weekend:</p> <p><strong>Kara Cisewski -</strong> <em>Rock Valley College, Illinois</em>: </p> <p>This freshman middle brings energy, excitement and a huge block to the Rock Valley lineup.  Despite a hard fought loss to Rochester Community and Tech. College, Cisewski played hard throughout the match, often changing momentum back to her side with a big block or sharp, cross court hit.  Look for this 5 seed to keep fighting for each point in the tournament.</p> <p><strong>Heishla Reyes &amp; Kalli Caddell</strong> - <em>Eastfield College, Mequite, Texas</em></p> <p><em>  </em>Returning as champions look to keep their title, are outside hitter, Reyes and setter, Caddell.  Both had a huge role in their success last year and are back in Minnesota for more.  Reyes, from Schertz, TX has an impressive 10 foot toss, serve that is unpredictable and dynamic.  Her approach from the outside is perfected by the setting of Caddell.  Although only 5'5'', she directs her team with passion and precision.  </p> <p><strong>Carrie Rutledge &amp; AnnMarie Jalmasco -</strong> <em>Rochester Community and Tech. College, Minnesota</em></p> <p>  These two freshmen from southeast Minnesota guided their team to a 22-8 season and gained the 4th seed.  Last night, they narrowly defeated Rock Valley in four sets.  Jalmasco provided a huge block that slowed down Rock Valley's hitters.  Rutledge is the most dominant player in the tournament so far with 25 kills in her first match, she finished the night with an unbelievable hitting percentage of .425!</p> <p><strong>Paola Beniquez &amp; Ashly Saladin</strong> - Queensborough Community College; Bayside, New York.</p> <p>  Beniquez returns to the tournament after an noteworthy performance last year, making the All-Tournament team.  From Carolina, Puerto Rico, she brings a destructive style of hitting and serving all her own.  She demands attention with her inspiring play and uplifting attitude.  Along to help her team to improve their finish from last year, is 5'6'', right-side hitter, Saladin from Corona, NY.  She is dynamic, left-handed, high-jumping hitter that her team utilizes in the front and back row.</p> <blockquote> <p><strong>Owens Community College</strong>; <em>Perrysburg, Ohio</em></p> <p>  There is no shortage of talent on this team of 13 from Ohio.  Having recently switched from DII, Owen's enters the tournament at the number 1 seed.  They tall, forceful players may be too much for the smaller schools, with two players over six foot, <strong>Kara Evers</strong> (6'2'') and <strong>Michaela Eisenhauer</strong> (6'1''), and a handful at 5'10'' &amp; 5'11" (<strong>Madison Allemeier</strong>).  They will face RCTC next on Friday at 5 pm.  Anticipate RCTC to bring a huge home-town crowd to the match and Owens to bring elite level play. </p> </blockquote>