Owens Express women's volleyball win first round of national tournament

Owens Community College's sophomore setter Molly Hilfinger, center left, attempts to tip the ball past Kirkwood Community College's defenders during the first game of Thursday afternoon's match at Owens' campus in Perrysburg Township.

Owens Community College women's volleyball team lost the first game but won the next three to advance today in the NJCAA Division II Women’s Volleyball National Championship Tournament.

The Express beat Kirkwood Community College of Cedar Rapids, playing at Owens Student Health and Activities Center on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Owens lost the first game 21-25, but then won 25-22, 25-21, and 25-20 to advance.

Playing next at 7:30 p.m. today, the Express face Iowa Central Community College of Fort Dodge, Iowa.

The top 16 NJCAA Division II teams from across the country are competing in the double elimination consolation tournament. On Friday, the tournament continues with losers’ bracket and national semifinal matches at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

The tournament ends Saturday, with consolation bracket matches at 12 p.m. followed by the fifth place match at 2:30 p.m., the third-place match at 4:30 p.m. and national championship match at 6:30 p.m.