By: Messenger Sports Staff 

CEDAR RAPIDS — A day after suffering a tough five-set loss, the Iowa Central volleyball team bounced back here Thursday at the NJCAA Div. II Championships.

The Tritons downed Gulf Coast State in five by scores of 25-18, 25-22, 24-26, 23-25 and 15-12 to improve to 32-6 on the year.

Emily Goodner and Araya Garrison each had 14 kills with Olivia Sturgis adding nine, Noemia Chiacchio eight and Emma Bilhimer seven.

Mercedes Madlock finished with 47 assists, 24 digs, six kills and five blocks, Mya McClain added 21 digs, two assists, and an ace, and Alexis Hiracheta had 12 digs and three aces.

"It was another battle with another Florida team. We were happy to get a different outcome," said Iowa Central head coach Sara Horn. "Different people stepped up (today) than yesterday, which was great to see and really reflective of this team's ability to rely on any given teammate each game."

"Our middles Araya, and Olivia, came up huge against probably the best middle combo we've seen this year, and Mya was digging everything against a big outside hitter that brought a lot of heat. We're so proud of the fight and we're happy to play another day."

Iowa Central will continue play in the consolation third round here Friday at 1 p.m. They can still finish as high as third.