Harper prepares for national volleyball stage

On paper, this weekend's NJCAA Division III women's volleyball national tournament looks to be full of tough competition for top-seeded Harper College.

"I expected to be seeded No. 1," Harper coach Bob Vilsoet said. "It means you are the favorite to win."

Harper (40-1) opens up tournament play at 11 a.m. Friday in Rochester, Minn., against 26-1 Queensborough Community College (NY).

The Harper boss was happy to be in the gym this week.

"It was fun to know we are one of the teams still practicing," Vilsoet said. "(The players) are enjoying it."

Vilsoet does not know much about Harper's first-round opponent. But if the Hawks are able to advance, their second-round matchup could feature a pair of top-10 teams.

Central Lakes College (22-11) of Brainerd, Minn., has won its last five matches. Harper met the Raiders on Sept. 10 and won 3-0. Central Lakes is seeded No. 4.

The other side of the bracket includes second-seeded Ridgewater College (20-4) of Willmar, Minn., ranked third in the nation, and Northhampton (Penn.), the No. 6 seed and ranked eighth nationally.