After finishing fourth at the NJCAA National Tournament a season ago, the No. 9 ranked Barton Community College volleyball team will enter the 2025 season with high expectations, selected second in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference preseason coaches' poll announced Wednesday.
The Cougars posted a 33-4 overall record in 2024, winning their second straight KJCCC title with a 15-1 league mark before capturing the program's 24th Region 6/Plains District Tournament crown. The run propelled Barton to its first national tournament appearance under then-head coach Megan Besecker.
Barton now turns the page under first-year head coach Jim Cartisser, who inherits a roster with just two returners – First Team All-KJCCC/Region 6 middle hitter Aubrey Olander and Second Team All-KJCCC/Region 6 libero Mina Kaneko.
"This program has a tremendous tradition, and our players are motivated to add to that," Cartisser said. "The conference is always competitive, but we're excited for the challenge and to get the season underway."
No. 3 ranked Colby, which defeated Barton in last year's national third-place match, was voted the preseason favorite, while the Cougars and Dodge City tied for second. Butler, Hutchinson and Garden City were voted fourth through sixth, with Seward County, Pratt and Cloud County completing the standings.
The Cougars open the season August 22-23 at the Scooter's Invitational in Garden City, Kansas. Barton will open the season against Lamar Community College and Eastern Wyoming on Friday before meeting Trinidad State and Northeast Community College on Saturday.
Due to ongoing renovations inside the Barton Gym, the date and location of the Cougars' first home match will be announced at a later date. Conference play begins August 29 at Butler Community College.
Postseason action opens November 5 in a hopeful first round hosting followed by the semifinals and championship November 8-9 at Fort Hays State University's Gross Memorial Coliseum. The tournament champion will advance to the NJCAA Division I National Tournament, November 19-22 in Clarksville, Tennessee.
2025 KJCCC Division I VOLLEYBALL PRESEASON POLL
1. No. 3 Colby (5)
2. No. 9 Barton (2)
2. No. 18 Dodge City (1)
4. Butler
5. Hutchinson
6. Garden City
7. Seward County
8. Pratt
9. Cloud County