The Heartland volleyball team competed in five games this past week, finishing the frame with a 3-2 record. The Hawks swept John Wood Community College at home on Wednesday before splitting at the Kirkwood Community College Tournament in Cedar Rapids, IA over the weekend.
 
Heartland dominated Wednesday's home matchup against the visiting Blazers, as the Hawks won all three sets (25-11, 25-14, 25-12). Aaliyah Denius led the charge for the Hawks with 16 kills. Samantha Hovey added 42 assists, while Kaitlyn Conway finished with 22 digs on the evening.
 
At the Kirkwood Community College Tournament, the Hawks struggled to gain consistent play against some tough competition. Heartland opened up the tournament Friday morning against No. 13-ranked McHenry County College, falling 3-1. Heartland fell behind 2-0 before taking a 25-21 third set victory. MCC responded with a 25-23 fourth-set win. Lauren Strange finished with 8 kills in the contest. Conway contributed 25 digs, with Hovey also adding 25 assists.
 
Game two on Friday fared a little better for the Hawks, as they eked out a 3-2 victory over No. 14-ranked Sauk Valley Community College. Heartland would again fall behind 2-0 in this one, but were able to rattle off wins in the remaining three frames. Strange, Denius, Kaitlin Dean and Olivia Pippin all had 9 kills for Heartland. Hovey added 30 assists and 19 digs.
 
The Hawks returned Saturday morning to face-off with Central Community College. After dropping the first set, Heartland won three straight frames for a 3-1 win. Pippin had 12 kills and 11 digs in the victory. Hovey finished with 40 assists, while Conway added 29 digs.
 
Top-ranked Johnson County Community College was the foe in Saturday's second game, as the Hawks would ultimately fall 3-0. Pippin and Strange each had 7 kills in the loss.
 
Heartland will return to action at 6 pm Wednesday, where they will welcome Spoon River College to the FRC.