Wrapping up non-conference play over the weekend, Kansas City Kansas Community College's volleyball team takes aim on a top four finish in the rugged Jayhawk Conference.

At 5-2, the Blue Devils are in fourth place just a game back of third place Neosho (6-1) and a game and a half back of unbeaten leaders Johnson County and Cowley, both 6-0. Coffeyville trails KCKCC in fifth place at 3-3.

KCKCC goes to Independence Wednesday and Cowley Oct. 18 before hosting Sophomore Night Oct. 25, when the Blue Devils host Hesston.

"The last three matches are vital," KCKCC Coach Mary Bruno-Ballou said. "We need two out of three to stay in the top four and host a first-round playoff."

The Blue Devils, who are 18-9 overall, got a split in their final four non-conference in the Central Nebraska tournament in Columbus, Neb. KCKCC defeated Southeast 3-0 and North Platte 3-1 on Friday but fell to Northeast 3-1 and Central 3-0 in a pair of down-to-the wire thrillers Saturday.

After routing Southeast 25-10, 25-17, 25-19 in Friday's tournament opener, the Blue Devils avenged an earlier loss to North Platte. After losing the first set 25-22, KCKCC won the next three 20, 25-23, 25-19. Tyrah Woods had 14 kills while Taryn Dial had 33 assists and Amauri Browning had 19 digs. In addition, Mercedez Brown had 12 kills and Godalys Colon had 10 against Southeast. Dial led with 38 assists while  Browning had 20 digs, Dial 12 and Emma Ayers 11.

Both of Saturday's matches were furiously fought contests. KCKCC took a 25-23 opening set before Northeast rallied 25-20, 25-14, 26-24 while Central's 3-0 win was by a margin of eight points, the hosts winning 26-24, 30-28, 25-21.

"We played well on Friday and had two great wins," Bruno-Ballou said. "Saturday, we had opportunities, but could not shut the door. We had leads in two of the sets we lost to Central and two sets against Northeast."