Conqs hope for home advantage

    Today, when the NJCAA Region VI, Division I volleyball tournament begins in Dodge City, any team will have a shot at the championship.
    “In the past, you can pick and point who will be number one,” Dodge City Community College volleyball coach Shaun Pohlman said. “But this year, it’s not the case. It’s been fairly competitive all season. There is no certainty, which makes for good volleyball.”
    The Conqs are 2-10 in the conference and 12-15 overall. They have overcome adversity all season long according to Pohlman. He has told his team this year that nothing matters until the end.
    DCCC lost early last year, not even getting a chance to play in the tournament. Pohlman said their season didn’t feel complete, so they have set their sights on the tournament this year.
    “We set our sights there fairly early this season,” Pohlman said. “I think we’ll be the most versatile team there. We’ve overcome such adversity this year. And they’ve fought hard and come through each time.”
    This season, Pohlman said the Conqs have struggled on the road and played very well at home, which may be an advantage since they are hosting the tournament.
    “Even though we haven’t practiced a lot in the civic center, we have a sense of stability,” Pohlman said. “It feels like we’ve been here before. And this year, we not only have fans of our own, but we’ve had such support from the other teams at the college. I think it adds a good factor.”
    Pohlman and DCCC athletic director Howie Smith lobbied hard to host the tournament this year, but they both said they couldn’t have done it without the community support.
    “This wouldn’t be possible without the community,” Pohlman said. “A big hats off to them. We have numerous sponsors, and help from every where.”
    Smith said they had complete support from everyone at the college as well.
    They would like a chance to host the tournament again next year, but will need fans to come out and watch the matches to show their support.
    “This isn’t only a representation of the college,” Pohlman said. “It’s a representation of the volleyball program and the community as well.”

Reach Susie Van Heule at (620) 408-9913 or e-mail her at susie.vanheule@dodgeglobe.com