Sheldon, Iowa — Northwest Iowa Community College (NCC) Athletics celebrated two program milestones during the week, including the first victory in Thunder Volleyball history and another shutout for the men’s soccer team.
Volleyball
NCC vs. Iowa Central — September 2
The Thunder traveled to Fort Dodge to face nationally ranked Iowa Central in their second consecutive matchup against a nationally ranked ICCAC opponent.
NCC lost in straight sets, but the team continued to compete throughout the match and gain valuable experience. Larissa Pohlen led the Thunder defensively with 15 digs.
Iowa Central Tournament — September 4–5
NCC competed in three matches against quality NJCAA programs during the Iowa Central Tournament.
The Thunder opened the tournament against Allen Community College of Kansas, falling in three sets. Madilyn Huisman recorded 21 assists, while Raina Nibbelink led the Thunder with 10 kills.
NCC regrouped for its second match of the day against Minnesota West. The Thunder won the opening set 25–19 before Minnesota West answered with 25–16 and 25–13 victories in the next two sets. Facing elimination, NCC rallied to win the fourth set 25–21 and force a deciding fifth set.
The Thunder battled through a close final set and earned a 16–14 victory, securing the first win in NCC Volleyball program history.
NCC concluded the tournament against nationally ranked Cowley Community College. The Thunder competed throughout the match, but Cowley demonstrated why it is considered one of the top NJCAA Division II volleyball programs in the nation.
Overall, the tournament provided the young Thunder team with valuable experience against strong competition—and a historic first victory for the program.
Men’s Soccer
NCC vs. Dordt University JV — September 3
The Thunder earned a 1–0 victory over Dordt University JV on Thursday.
Silas Stotz scored the game’s only goal after collecting the rebound from a teammate’s shot and sending it into the back of the net.
Goalkeeper Christopher Russell and the Thunder defense held the Defenders scoreless for the remainder of the match, securing another shutout for NCC.
Sports Shooting
NCC vs. Iowa Western — September 3
The Thunder Sports Shooting team competed against Iowa Western, falling 491–394.
Levi Rosentrater recorded the team’s top score with 92 out of 100 targets. Kaiden Johnson followed closely with a score of 91 out of 100.
Men’s Golf
Augsburg Invitational — September 5–6
The Thunder competed in the Augsburg Invitational at Majestic Oaks Golf Course north of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The 14-team field primarily featured four-year colleges.
Carson Arens led NCC during the opening round with an 18-hole score of 82. Tavin Miller followed with an 83, Karson Hoogendoorn recorded an 87 and Wyatt Wittrock rounded out the team scoring with an 88.
Hoogendoorn led the Thunder during the second round with a 77, followed by Arens and Wittrock with scores of 83. Miller finished with an 84.
NCC improved its team score by 13 strokes from the first round to the second.
Up Next
- Sports Shooting: Wednesday, September 9, at 4:00 p.m. against Iowa Central in Rock Valley, Iowa
- Men’s Soccer: Wednesday, September 9, at 3:00 p.m. against Dakota County Technical College in Rosemount, Minnesota
- Women’s Soccer: Wednesday, September 9, at 5:30 p.m. against Dakota County Technical College in Rosemount, Minnesota
- Men’s Golf: Thursday, September 10, at 10:30 a.m. against North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City, Iowa
- Volleyball: Thursday, September 10, at 6:00 p.m. against Marshalltown Community College in Marshalltown, Iowa
For more information about NCC Thunder Athletics, visit thunder.nwicc.edu. NCC competes in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC).
