After missing out on last year's NJCAA DII National Tournament, the Heartland volleyball team will be headed back to Cedar Rapids, Iowa as an at-large selection for this year's Nationals as the No. 10 seed. The Hawks, who currently sit at 30-9 on the year, are ecstatic to have the chance to play for another trophy.
 
"We've worked really intentionally to stay present this year, in every moment through the season," Heartland head coach Mary Frahm said. "In the hard moments, we've wanted to feel it, learn from it and ultimately grow from it. And in the good moments, we want to feel it, express gratitude and embrace it. So, we're in one of those good moments right now and it means the world to us to represent the college at the highest level."
 
Heartland will battle No. 7-seeded Kirkwood Community College, a foe that the Hawks are very familiar with. The two teams have faced-off twice this season, with the Eagles taking both matchups. Despite the tall task, Frahm believes her squad is up for the challenge after playing a very tough schedule and having some significant success throughout the regular season.
 
"We've got to stick to our identity and play on our strengths," Frahm said. "I think one of the greatest things about playing in such a tough region, is we're forced to play a gauntlet of a schedule. We've been pushed, found success and got beat up a little bit but we know what it feels like to stand back up after taking a hit. We're hoping to use that tough schedule to our benefit as we open up here."
 
This was made evident, for instance, by Heartland's home victory over then No. 5-ranked Parkland College. The Cobras enter the tournament as the No. 3 overall seed, so this provides confidence for the Hawks that they can play with any team in the country.
 
"There are a lot of ups and downs in junior college volleyball," Frahm said. So, I think focusing on managing the game, staying composed and playing with a sense of urgency is key to surging and advancing at this point. So, I hope we can set that tone from day one as we play a tough opponent to start off the week. We're excited, ready to compete and at the end of the day, stay together as one unit of 16 incredible young women as we enjoy this final step of the season."
 
The Hawks and Eagles will face-off at 3:30 PM Wednesday at Alliant Energy Fieldhouse in Cedar Rapids. The tournament, which runs from Nov. 15-18, can be viewed via the NJCAA Network. Further information on the tournament can be found here.