VINCENNES, Ind. – No. 1 Parkland College Volleyball (2-0) opened its delayed 2020-21 season, sweeping two NJCAA DI opponents. The Cobras were on the road participating in the Vincennes University Tri, and came away with a 3-0 (25-17, 25-18, 25-20) win over Jefferson College (0-2), along with a 3-0 (25-22, 25-13, 25-11) defeat of Vincennes University (2-1). Parkland garnered its #1 national ranking in the NJCAA DII preseason poll, released this past Tuesday.
 
In match one, (Jefferson) Summerlyn Smith (23 assists, 5 digs) primarily assisted Arika Richardson (8 kills, 3 blocks), Hailey Sperling (8 kills), and Halle Everett (7 kills, 3 digs). Defensive standouts included Brittney Litton (9 digs), Kayla Brandon (7 digs), and Isabella Classen (5 digs). Strength at the net came from Katie Kaiser (4 blocks) and Richardson.
 
In match two, (Vincennes) Halle Everett (15 kills, 4 aces, 12 digs) produced a double-double as she dominated both offensively and defensively. Teammates Arika Richardson (9 kills) and Hailey Sperling (9 kills) also capitalized on the play of setter Summerlyn Smith (36 assists). In addition to Everett, the Trailblazers' attacks were countered by Kayla Brandon (16 digs), Brittney Litton (11 digs), and Isabella Classen (10 digs).
 
The Cobras returned only one player (Smith) who had significant playing time last season, and the team had to overcome some nerves and a few uncharacteristic errors to earn its first wins of the season.
 
"The sophomores were all excellent, and the freshmen really showed the benefit of a full fall season of practice to prepare for this spring season," expressed Head Coach Cliff Hastings. "As coaches, it was nice to watch a group play where you couldn't quite pick out the freshmen versus the sophomores. Everyone communicated well, stayed confident and steady. It was a great launching point for the season."
 
Up next, Parkland will travel to Belleville, Ill., to compete in the Southwestern Illinois College Tri on Friday, January 29. The Cobras will face the host Blue Storm, at 3:00 pm, as well as St. Louis CC at 5:00 pm.