Allen Community College hosted Independence Community College in a KJCCC Division II matchup Sept. 16, falling to the Pirates in straight sets, 25-21, 25-20, 25-23.
The Red Devils jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead in the opening set behind serves from Kailee Hansen before Independence rallied to tie the set at 7-7. The teams battled back and forth throughout the remainder of the set before the Pirates pulled away for the 25-21 win.
Allen finished the first set with 15 kills compared to 12 for Independence, but nine errors proved costly as the Pirates committed just five.
The second set followed a similar pattern, with the teams trading runs early. Independence became the first team to reach 15 points, taking a 15-13 lead, before pulling away for the 25-20 victory and a 2-0 match advantage.
Allen responded in the third set, building a 21-13 lead and putting itself in position to extend the match. Independence, however, refused to back down, putting together a 7-0 run to cut the deficit to 21-20. The Pirates eventually tied the set at 22-22 before closing out the match, 25-23.
Taylor Damme led the Red Devils offensively with 18 kills while hitting .200. Bailee Belt added 10 kills while hitting .280.
Jaidyn Follis led Allen with 23 assists, followed by Morgan McKinney with 14. Carolina Mania paced the defensive effort with 22 digs, while Damme added 16 digs to record a double-double.
