Jackets Secure NJCAA Tournament Third Place with 3–1 Win Over College of DuPage
Cedar Rapids, IA – November 15, 2025
Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) capped off an impressive NJCAA tournament run with a hard-fought 3–1 victory over College of DuPage at the Alliant Energy Powerhouse, earning a coveted third-place finish. The Jackets, finished the season at an impressive 25-9. RCTC and COD faced each othr on the opening weekend, with the Jackets securing a 3-2 victory in that match.
Set-by-Set Breakdown
Set 1: Jackets Start Strong (25–19)
RCTC opened the match with confidence, establishing early control through balanced attacking and steady defense. Lily Holtan led the charge with aggressive swings, tallying several key kills that set the tone. Setter Carmen Nerison orchestrated the offense with precision, dishing out 36 assists on the night, and her four service aces in the match began to pay dividends immediately. Despite committing 10 attack errors in the first frame, the Jackets' ability to terminate rallies when it mattered most pushed them past DuPage, who struggled to find rhythm with a .030 hitting percentage.
Set 2: DuPage Responds (12–25)
Momentum shifted dramatically in the second set as DuPage capitalized on RCTC's miscues. The Jackets hit a match-low -.069, plagued by eight errors and only six kills. DuPage's offense came alive behind Megan Daca (.263) and Samantha Hornbogen (.158), who combined for timely kills. The Chaparrals' .345 hitting percentage in the set underscored their efficiency, and their aggressive serving forced RCTC out of system repeatedly. The lopsided scoreline served as a wake-up call for the Jackets.
Set 3: Jackets Regain Control (25–18)
With the match tied, RCTC regrouped and delivered a dominant third set. Holtan was unstoppable, finishing with a team-high 19 kills despite 12 errors overall. Her relentless attacking, paired with Morgan Hansen's eight kills (.238), gave the Jackets the offensive spark they needed. Nerison continued to spread the ball effectively, while the back row, anchored by Jayda Bednarek's 25 digs, neutralized DuPage's hitters. RCTC posted a .195 hitting percentage in the set, their best of the match, and limited DuPage to .062.
Set 4: Closing It Out (25–18)
The fourth set mirrored the third as RCTC maintained composure and executed under pressure. Holtan and Hansen again provided firepower, while Natalie LaBonte chipped in seven kills (.308) and Kylie Minnich added eight kills despite a tough hitting night overall. The Jackets' block came alive late, with Hansen recording a solo block and four assists, frustrating DuPage's attackers. Though errors persisted, RCTC's ability to side out quickly and capitalize on transition opportunities sealed the win.
Stat Leaders and Key Contributions
- Lily Holtan: 19 kills, 12 errors, 53 attempts (.132), 20.5 points
- Morgan Hansen: 8 kills, 1 solo block, 4 block assists (11 points)
- Natalie LaBonte: 7 kills, .308 hitting, 8 points
- Kylie Minnich: 8 kills, 12 digs, 9.5 points
- Carmen Nerison: 36 assists, 4 aces, 12 digs (5.5 points)
- Jayda Bednarek: Defensive anchor with 25 digs
As a team, RCTC recorded 46 kills on 151 attempts (.066), with 68 digs and 12 block assists. While errors (36) were a concern, the Jackets compensated with strong serving (five aces) and timely defensive stops.
DuPage, finishing 27–14, was paced by Claire Rambasek (8 kills, 11 points) and Megan Daca (7 kills, 11 points). Despite flashes of dominance in Set 2, their overall hitting percentage (.081) and 26 attack errors proved costly.
What This Means for RCTC
This third-place finish marks another milestone for a program steeped in NJCAA success. Head Coach Jen Nerison's squad demonstrated grit and adaptability, hallmarks of a team built for postseason play. Overcoming adversity in Set 2 and responding with poise in Sets 3 and 4 speaks volumes about the Jackets' mental toughness. With Holtan emerging as a go-to scorer and Nerison anchoring the offense, RCTC's core looks strong heading into next season. The defensive effort, highlighted by Bednarek's 25 digs, underscores the team's commitment to all-around play—a critical factor in their ability to compete at the national level. RCTC sophomore Libero Jayda Bednarek was named to the All-Tournament team.
Final Score:
RCTC 3, College of DuPage 1 (25–19, 12–25, 25–18, 25–18)
Location: Alliant Energy Powerhouse, Cedar Rapids, IA
Date: November 15, 2025
The Jackets leave Cedar Rapids with hardware, pride, and momentum—a fitting end to a season defined by resilience and excellence.
