Local Volleyballers Headed to Nationals as Jayhawks

Photo credit: https://www.muskegoncc.edu/athletics/volleyball/ 2022-2023 Jayhawk Volleyball. Front row, left to right: Kendra Kieft, Maggie Evans, Leah Ellis, Brianna Benson. Back row, left to right: Raegan Murphy, Abby Derks, Elena Vaara, Kayla Fisk, Reilly Murphy

Newaygo County has two volleyball players who have become an elite club of athletes who continued their athletic careers into college. Kayla Fisk of Newaygo and Abby Derks of White Cloud now donn Muskegon Community College jerseys and are headed to Nationals on Tuesday, November 15 with their teammates.

Not all teams from the NJCAA will be traveling to Iowa this week. The Jayhawks earned the honor after winning their Regional games over three days beginning November 4 at St. Clair County Community College.

First to go down were Oakland Community College in 3 sets, then Lake Michigan College in a 5 set thriller, where MCC won 17-15 in the 5th. After that, their record was an impressive 28-6 and they were ranked #15 nationally.

Day 2 of Regionals included a faceoff against Mott Community College. The Jayhawks handed them a season-ending loss in four sets. 

Day 3 was another chance to defeat Oakland Community College: a feat they handled in 3 straight sets. This win meant the team qualified for Nationals, which would be held in Cedar Rapids, Iowa November 17-19.

The MCC Jayhawks are coached by Rick Rykse, assisted by Samantha Hockstra and volunteer coach Lindsey Balcom.

N3 caught up with Kayla Fisk, one of our favorite athletes for her tenacity and fire with which she plays.

How have you felt transitioning from high school to collegiate volleyball?
It was difficult at first especially juggling two sports. 
What do you feel your team's biggest win of the season was?
The second game against GRCC! 
If you could choose one aspect of college volleyball you enjoy the most, what is it?
Being at a higher level and playing with girls from other schools.
Did you have a hard time adjusting to new teammates, some of whom were on the opposite side of the net in years past?
No, I actually enjoyed it a lot it was just another challenge for me to succeed. 
What is your schedule for Nationals?
We are playing Thursday at 9:00am In Cedar Rapids, Iowa. 

Game photos provided through Fisk by Isabel