RCTC Volleyball Heads to National Tournament as No. 4 Seed!

UPDATE: The Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) volleyball team is set to make a thrilling return to the national tournament, kicking off their campaign as the No. 4 seed in the NJCAA Division III championship. The Yellowjackets will face off against No. 13 seed Brookdale Community College at 3 p.m. on November 13 at the Alliant Energy Powerhouse Arena in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

After a strong season, finishing 22-8 overall, the Yellowjackets are not underdogs this time around. They dominated their regional matches, sweeping both opponents to secure their spot in the national tournament. Last year, RCTC finished in 10th place after being seeded No. 13, but this year, the team exudes confidence as they aim for a top finish.

“I do have different feelings from last year to this year,” said RCTC head coach Jen Nerison. “Now, this year, we’re coming into nationals, and we’re seeded fourth. I think that we could at least land in fourth, but why not in the top three or the top two?”

The Yellowjackets’ success is driven by a strong team chemistry, with several players having played together before in club settings. Of the 13 players on the roster, six hail from southeastern Minnesota. This familiarity has fostered a competitive environment that has helped the team excel.

Leading the charge is freshman right-side hitter Lily Holtan, who boasts an impressive 427 kills, while freshman setter Carmen Nerison has contributed with 1,024 set assists this season. Both players are also recognized for their defensive skills, combining for 600 digs.

“We’re definitely a very skilled group of girls, but our emotional connection has helped us get past tough times,” Holtan shared. “We had a rough week before regionals, but we bounced back.”

Returning players, including sophomore libero Jayda Bednarek, who has a team-high 569 digs, are pivotal in guiding the younger team members. As the group navigates through challenges, their focus on teamwork is critical for their success at the national level.

RCTC last claimed the NJCAA D-3 National Championship in 2015. With this season’s record, the Yellowjackets have achieved their highest win total since 2019-20. As they prepare for the tournament, fans are excited to see if the team can elevate their performance and bring home a championship.

As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on RCTC as they aim to make history once again. Keep an eye on this compelling story as it unfolds!