CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — November 21, 2025 — The No. 3-seeded Parkland College volleyball team saw its 2025 season come to a close on Friday after an exhausting yet inspiring day of competition at the NJCAA Division II National Championship.

In the first round of the 5th-place consolation bracket, the Cobras outlasted No. 5 seed Johnson County Community College in a five-set thriller (21–25, 25–13, 17–25, 25–22, 15–5) before falling in another five-set battle to No. 9 seed Mesa Community College (25–21, 20–25, 25–23, 20–25, 12–15) just hours later.

The victory over Johnson County marked Parkland's 50th win of the season, a milestone achieved through sheer determination and team chemistry. In that match, Shay McMillen powered the offense with 14 kills, while Natalie Alexander added 9 kills at a .412 clip. Bella McKinney contributed 9 kills of her own, and Riley Reis had 8 with 3 block assists. Defensively, Sammi Christman was a force at the net, finishing the match with 6 total blocks. 

Later in the evening, Parkland's momentum carried into a fierce matchup with Mesa. The Cobras traded sets with intensity and energy, keeping the match within reach until the final points. McMillen again led the team with 14 kills, while Alexander followed closely with 12 and 6 blocks. Addie Beekman also added 14 kills and 21 digs, and Christman chipped in 6 of her own. Hailey Warfel dished out 27 assists, with Ashlee Freeman adding 23, and Anna McEwen anchored the defense with a team-high 27 digs.

The loss marks the end of an era for Parkland, which will graduate 13 sophomores from this year's roster — a group that helped the Cobras to a 50–6 overall record, a Central District Championship, and a 17th straight national tournament appearance.

For more information about Parkland College Athletics, visit www.parklandcobras.com or follow @ParklandCobras on social media.