Heartland volleyball was on the road last week, as the Hawks finished 3-2 overall after defeating Spoon River College on Wednesday before splitting four matches at the Kirkwood Community College Invite in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Friday and Saturday. The Hawks currently sit at 11-2 overall on the season.
 
Game 1 at Spoon River College
In the Hawks' second match of Midwest Athletic Conference play, a fast start resulted in a 3-0 sweep for Heartland against the host Snappers on Wednesday. The Hawks finished with 48 kills compared to just 24 for the Snappers, with Mairen Mannon leading the way with 10. Kennedy Conrad supplied 26 digs for the Hawks, while Olivia Pippin added 20 assists.
 
Game 2 vs. McHenry Country College
Heartland traveled to Kirkwood Community College Friday, beginning with a face-off against McHenry County College. After pulling out a tight 26-24 victory in set one, the Hawks cruised to wins in sets two and three to secure yet another sweep. Conrad had 15 digs for Heartland. Georgi Patten finished with eight kills.
 
Game 3 vs. Kirkwood Community College
A highly-anticipated battle was in place for Heartland's second match of the day, as host Kirkwood Community College looked to end the Hawks' undefeated streak to begin the season. The Eagles, ranked No. 6 in the NJCAA DII polls, got off to a fast start with a 25-18 victory in the opening set before narrowly defeating the Hawks 25-23 in set two. Heartland had a rally in it, however, as the Hawks took set three 27-25 before falling in the fourth and final set, 25-20. Pippin led the Hawks with 10 kills, 17 assists and eight digs, while Conrad contributed 27 digs.
 
Game 4 vs. Johnson County Community College
Another tough foe stood in the way of the Hawks on Saturday morning, as Heartland battled NJCAA DII No. 2-ranked Johnson County. Despite it being a close matchup throughout, the Hawks ultimately fell in three sets. Harper had 10 kills and 16 digs for the Hawks in the loss.
 
Game 5 vs. Sauk Valley Community College
The Hawks bounced back for a four-set win over Sauk Valley to conclude the tournament on Saturday afternoon. After the Hawks took sets one and two 25-20 and 25-19, Sauk Valley responded with a 25-21 win in set three. Heartland was able to return to form with a 25-23 victory in set four to take the match. Conrad led the charge with 35 digs, with Pippin contributing 13 kills, 14 assists and seven digs.
 
The Hawks return to action at 6 pm Wednesday, as they welcome NJCAA DII No.4-ranked Parkland College to the FRC.