GALESBURG — Fresh off a victory this weekend over a nationally rated opponent, the Carl Sandburg College volleyball team made its first appearance this season in the latest NJCAA Division II rankings, released Monday afternoon.
The Chargers (25-8) came in at No. 18 in this week’s poll after being among others receiving votes last week. Sandburg went 4-2 during the week, highlighted by a five-set win over Kirkwood on Friday at the Iowa Central Tournament. Kirkwood entered that match ranked 19th in the country and is No. 19 again in the newest poll.
Sandburg also earned victories during the week against Lincoln JV, Williston State (N.D.) and St. Louis (Mo.). Both of the Chargers’ losses in that span came against quality opponents. Sandburg dropped a four-setter Tuesday to Sauk Valley — among this week’s others receiving votes — for the Chargers’ first Arrowhead Conference loss of the season. Sandburg’s other defeat came Saturday in five sets against Iowa Central, which was ranked 11th during that match and is No. 14 this week.
The Chargers are tied with Sauk Valley for first place in the Arrowhead Conference at 6-1 and have won 11 of their last 13 matches overall. Sandburg is one victory away from tying the win total put up by last year’s team that won the conference championship and advanced to the Chargers’ second straight NJCAA Division II Tournament.
