Volleyball splits matches in opening round action of the NJCAA tournament

Amanda Booren - 11/16/2007 Sophomore Ligia Clemente knocks down one of her 18 kills in the match against Miami Dade Community College at the NJCAA national tournament.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - San Jacinto volleyball split its matches on opening day of the 2007 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) tournament, defeating Barton County 3-2, and falling in five sets to Miami Dade, Thursday at the Mid-America Center.

In a match that lasted two hours and 35 minutes, 10th-seeded San Jacinto upset seventh-seed Barton County 25-30, 30-23, 30-23, 22-30, 15-13 to advance in the winners bracket, earning a chance to play the number two team in the country.

After opening the match against second-seed Miami Dade Community College with wins in the first two games, San Jac had to fight to the full five games. San Jac eventually fell 30-22, 30-21, 20-30, 24-30, 13-15 to the Sharks. Sophomore Ligia Clemente led San Jac with 18 kills, while fellow classmate Jessica Batura knocked down 16. San Jac finished the match hitting .239 (78-31-197). Libero Amber Murphy had 20 digs.

San Jac will play defending national champion, and tournament host, Iowa Western on Friday at 3 p.m. in the consolation bracket. The winner of that match will play for fifth place on Saturday, while the loser will play for seventh.

To follow all of the volleyball action at the NJCAA national tournament, visit http://www.njcaavb.com/.