2021 Women's Volleyball Season Review
Establishing high expectations can assist a team to attain extreme goals and success. The 2021 Eagle team did just that, joining the list of elite Faith volleyball teams by reaching the NCCAA National Volleyball Championship Tournament.
Like all seasons, the 2021 campaign had success and setback experiences. Entering with a strong core of returning players, the Eagles jump started the 2021 season with a 3-1 record followed by a 4-3 streak. Traveling to North Dakota the Eagles were defeated by region foe Trinity Bible College 3-2, a significant loss. "We used that loss as a motivation to correct our play and approach to game day. The next day we swept the Lion's and restarted our season," remarked Coach Nihart.
Faith then embarked on an 8-2-win streak while solidifying offensive and defensive rotations. The streak allowed Faith to finish in a tie for second place in the regular season MCC Conference standings.
The Eagles entered NCCAA North Region playoffs as the #1 seed with a first round match against #4 seed and NCAA Division III opponent, Crown College. Defeating the Storm was a two-fold requirement for the Eagles, first to move to the North Region Championship round and second to become an NCCAA national tournament at large consideration. The Eagles defeated the Storm 3-0 in an inspiring match. "We were very aware of the pressure to defeat Crown and the impact on our season, including the goal to reach the NCCAA National Tournament in Kissimmee, Florida! Coach Erin and I were excited with the inspired play of our team, especially winning in 3 straight sets," stated Coach Nihart.
Although the team fell short in the region championship to Maranatha University (3-1), the Eagles remained on the hunt for an at large slot based on their season long NCCAA #3 power rating. Waiting on results from one remaining NCCAA region, the Eagles practiced a full week before receiving the formal at large invitation as the #5 seed. Earning the at large placed Faith into pool play with ultimate 2021 National Champion, Bob Jones University, and runner up Johnson University-Tennessee. Although they fell to both teams, the Eagles demonstrated the ability to play at the highest NCCAA level. Early in the Bob Jones match, the Eagles held scoring leads on several different occasions. "Our team wanted more court success, and we were not satisfied with the results. However, we are thankful for the opportunity and excited about our accomplishments during the 2021 season. Our intention is to use the experience going forward into the 2022 season," noted Coach Nihart.
Multiple Eagles received recognition for their work on the court and in the classroom. Junior Rachel Kleczka was named to the Midwest Christian Conference and NCCAA North Region's first team. Junior Morgan Stephens was named to the MCCC second team and the NCCAA North Region's first team. Stephens also received the NCCAA North Region Libero of the Year award. Junior setter Makenna Laib earned MCCC honorable mention and NCCAA North second team honors. Head Coach Lanny Nihart was selected as the NCCAA II North Region Coach of the Year.
Juniors Rachel Kleczka, Morgan Stephens, Makenna Laib, and Amanda Larson received NCCAA Scholar-Athlete awards.
Individual Eagle team awards were earned by Rachel Kleczka (Most Valuable Player), Emma Owens (Most Improved Player), and Morgan Stephens (Coaches Award).
The Eagles participated in two separate City of Ankeny community service opportunities, volunteering with the Ankeny Miracle League and aiding the Alpha Women's Center in sorting seasonal clothing. A highlight of the 2021 season was participating in the Sunday school and worship service at Community Baptist Church.
"During the 2021 preseason we identified characteristics of a true athlete in Christ. The approach provided coaches and players the platform to understand individual roles and associated value. The 2021 season was a remarkable experience for coaches and players. Our juniors have improved our team's success every year despite different hardships. I am thankful for their commitment and the experience to compete in the NCCAA national tournament. We received a great core of new underclassmen in 2021 who contributed greatly to our success. Our hope in 2022 will be to go beyond the successes of this past year," remarked Coach Nihart.
