Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 CHAMPAIGN. Ill., – The No. 3 Parkland College volleyball team won both of their regional matchups on Saturday afternoon, defeating John Wood Community College (25-17, 26-24, 25-12) and Lincoln Land Community College (23-25, 25-15, 25-21, 25-12) on their way to an NJCAA Central District Regional Championship and a berth in the NJCAA DII National Tournament. This is Parkland's 14th straight Regional Championship, the longest active streak in junior college volleyball.
 
The Cobras (52-3) were tested in their first match against familiar foe, John Wood, despite defeating the Blazers (16-13) in straight sets earlier this season. The second set was particularly tight, with the Cobras just escaping in a 26-24 dogfight. Kat Blase (12 kills, 5 blocks) came through for Parkland down the stretch and the Cobras moved on to the Regional Championship in straight sets.
 
In the second match, the Loggers (25-18) surprised the Cobras by taking the first set. The Cobras then quickly knotted the match back up at 1 with a strong second set. The pivotal third set was a back-and-forth affair, with many long rallies and close calls on both sides with Parkland eventually outlasting Lincoln Land and taking control of the match, winning in four sets.
 
Five Cobras earned All-Region honors on Saturday night. Josie Hess and Jayden Sortor were awarded Second Team All-Region, and Arika Richardson, Sophie Young and Kat Blase were awarded First Team All-Region with Blase also named Region 24 Player of the Year.
 
Up next, Parkland will head to the NJCAA DII National Tournament in Des Moines, IA on Thursday, November 18^th. The time and opponent are still TBD and will be updated on the website as soon they are announced.
 
Statistical Highlights
 
#3 Parkland- 3, John Wood Community College- 0 (25-17, 26-24, 25-12)
 
Kat Blase (12 kills, 5 blocks)
Sophie Young (34 assists, 10 digs, 2 blocks)
Arika Richardson (8 kills, 4 blocks)
Jayden Sortor (6 kills, 4 blocks)
Halle Everett (6 kills, 2 blocks)
 
#3 Parkland- 3, Lincoln Land Community College- 1 (23-25, 25-15, 25-21, 25-12)
 
Kat Blase (12 kills, 12 blocks)
Jayden Sortor (9 kills, 5 blocks)
Sophie Young (44 assists, 4 blocks)
Arika Richardson (12 kills, 8 blocks)
Halle Everett (10 kills, 2 blocks)