CEDAR RAPIDS - Katilyn Steffes was just finding her form as a key member of the Iowa Central volleyball team when she was forced to the sidelines for an extended period of time.

Now, Steffes and the Tritons are ready to fulfill the ultimate quest when they compete beginning here Tuesday at the NJCAA Div. II Volleyball Championship from the Alliant Energy PowerHouse Arena. 

Iowa Central, the No. 3 seed after finishing the regular season ranked third, takes on Carl Sandburg in the first match of the tournament at 9 a.m. 

A freshman from Rochester, Minnesota, Steffes has recorded 191 kills with 149 digs, 27 total blocks and 18 serving aces on the year. Despite missing five matches, she still ranked among the ICCAC leaders in kills.

"Having to overcome everything we have with people being out with COVID, injuries and everything, we all kept our heads cool and made sure our focus was right," Steffes said. "Getting back mentally wasn't as hard as physically. Being out with COVID changed my body more than I thought it would, so I'm just trying to get better every day."

Steffes has nine matches with double-digit kills including 23 vs. Northeast and 20 vs. Indian Hills. She also has seven matches with at least 10 digs recorded.

Iowa Central claimed its third consecutive regular season title, punching the sixth bid to nationals in program history. This, though, is the first since the 2017 season.

"It definitely has been a memorable season, but we're ready to make our mark at nationals," she said. "It feels amazing going to the national tournament. This could very well be the last time people go, so I can't wait to see what we can do.

"I feel like it definitely is more of a reward that with everything going on, we all still dialed in on the game we know how to play well while keeping our focus on winning a national title."

-By Dana Becker