Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Former Manson Northwest Webster standout Olivia Sturgis works at the net for Iowa Central earlier this season inside Hodges Fieldhouse.

CEDAR RAPIDS — It’s been a memorable six-year ride together from wearing the dark blue and silver of Manson Northwest Webster to the navy blue and white of Iowa Central for volleyball standouts Olivia Sturgis and Emily Goodner.

This week will mark the last time they suit up together as Triton teammates, and they’ll do it on the big stage.

Iowa Central earned one of four at-large bids to the NJCAA Div. II National Tournament, which begins here on Wednesday. The seventh-ranked Tritons (29-7 overall) face No. 10 Johnson County at 3:30 p.m.

While placing second in the ICCAC and playing a schedule loaded with ranked teams, there were no guarantees for nationals until the field was announced.

“I had the confidence we were going to make it, but hearing our name was definitely a sigh of relief,” Sturgis said. “I felt such excitement knowing how fun last year’s experience was (at nationals) and our team’s second chance to prove how good of a team we really are.”

Goodner echoed those thoughts, saying “I was extremely happy that we were able to get the at-large bid. There are a ton of great (qualifiers) and I was excited that we were recognized for a extremely successful season.”

Sturgis, a first team all-region selection, currently sits third on the career blocks list with 311. She has played 77 matches, recording 568 kills with 84 digs to go along with her block total — which includes 25 solos.

“I have never questioned or regretted my decision to play for Iowa Central,” Sturgis said. “It’s truly been an honor to have my name added to all the success Coach (Sara) Horn and Coach Gabby (Marker) have led this program to. I couldn’t have asked for a better two years, and it’s very hard to have to move on from this program.

“I’m going to simply enjoy playing the sport I love (this week) with my best friends. Not only that, but facing some great competition and putting our talent out there for everyone to watch. This environment is so fun to play in. I’m so excited to soak it all in and have a great week.”

Goodner, who made second team all-region, has announced plans to continue her volleyball career at Waldorf University next year. In 74 career matches, the former Cougar star has 605 kills with 560 digs and 104 total blocks while also serving 48 aces.

“I am thankful everyday that I’m able to be a part of this great program,” Goodner said. “This week, I’ll be soaking in the last memories with my (Iowa Central) teammates. I’m excited to get to go out and play on the court and make memories that will last forever.”

The Tritons feature several key players back from last season, when they also advanced to nationals and placed fifth.

Brooke Lensing has 153 kills and 75 blocks, Natalie Hagadon has picked up 215 digs with 64 aces, Araya Garrison has 235 kills and 137 blocks, and Olivia Benson has 528 digs.

Hagadon has 111 career aces, which places her fifth in school history, while Garrison has 275 blocks — good for sixth on the career charts.

Freshmen Anabel Seaman, Dani Anela Kapu, Shirley Monaghan, Talya Sampson and Dena Robb have all been contributors throughout this run.

Since 2020, Iowa Central has five national tournament appearances, placing in the Top-7 each time while winning four regional titles and at least a share of four ICCAC championships.