The Kirkwood volleyball team's season came to an abrupt end last weekend when the Eagles were defeated by Des Moines Area Community College in four sets in the Region XI-B Tournament Championship in Boone.

"I'm disappointed for the players," said Volleyball Coach Jill Williams. "All the hard work put in by the girls and no national tournament appearance."

This was a surprising loss because in the two regular season matchups Kirkwood had defeated DMACC, including one match in Boone.

"The pressure from a one-and-done situation might have gotten the players flustered when we got down," Williams said.

Three Eagles players were named to the Region B All-Tournament team: Heather Brus, Kamille Van Natta and Chanda Goedken.

Kirkwood advanced to the championship round of the regional tournament by defeating Southwestern Community College in five sets last Friday.

Williams loved this team's attitude throughout the season. Every player was on board and team-oriented.

Williams is anticipating the return of around nine players who are freshmen this season, six of whom played regularly throughout the season. This was a relatively young team this year, although there will be some key positions to fill.

Williams said she anticipates a productive off-season with the quality attitudes the players on this team have.

Kirkwood finished the season at 35-10 overall, 13-0 in the conference and 8-0, in the division, an improvement from last season's 22-11 finish.

The Eagles look to build on this success next season and mount another title run.