GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – For the first time since 1999, Cornerstone has earned the WHAC Regular Season and WHAC Tournament Title after a 21-25, 25-22, 25-17, 25-20 victory over rival Aquinas. The Golden Eagles defeat Aquinas in all three matches this season and are Tournament Champions for the first time since 2018. In program history, Cornerstone has now won six regular season and six tournament championships. CU will await their fate for the NAIA National Tournament Opening Round Game as the matchup announcements will be made on Monday, April 12 at 11 a.m. EST.
Game Recap: Cornerstone – 3 Aquinas – 1 (21-25, 25-22, 25-17, 25-20)
- In set one, neither team could get out to more than a two-point lead, until Aquinas went on a 3-0 run to go on top 20-17. Kylie Christensen and Payton Klein each had a kill in the run.
- Cornerstone responded with a 2-0 run that saw a kill from Brooke Nicholson to cut it back to 20-19.
- AQ scored five of the last seven points to win set one 25-21 on a kill from Emily Jones.
- The first three points of set two were scored on ball handling errors.
- Errors continued for CU as the Saints got out to a 7-3 edge.
- A service ace from Kayla Clark tied set two at 12 all.
- Cornerstone then went on a 6-1 run to take command of set two. Alexis Angus, Jackie Stanko, and Olivia Keelean all had a kill in the run as CU led 18-14.
- Aquinas cut the deficit to one, but a kill from Bailey Cummings and service ace from Bailey Cummings helped Cornerstone win the set 25-22.
- Cornerstone dominated set three, using a 4-0 run and a 6-0 run to get on top 11-2. Jackie Stanko recorded three kills in the run.
- The Saints would chip away but never lead, as Brooke Nicholson ended the set with a kill at 25-17.
- In set four, the two teams traded runs as it was tied 12-12 after a big block from Alexis Angus and Jackie Stanko.
- Cornerstone went on a 5-0 run with a pair of Bailey Cummings service aces to lead 17-12.
- Aquinas responded with a 6-0 run to take the lead back 18-17 on an Olivia Keelean attack error.
- The Golden Eagles did not give in though, scoring eight of the final 10 points winning set four and the match on a block from Brooke Nicholson and Bailey Cummings, 25-20.
By the Numbers
3-0 – Cornerstone defeated rival Aquinas all three times this season, dropping a total of two sets.
1999 – CU is the WHAC Regular Season and Tournament Champion for the first time since 1999.
6 – Cornerstone has now won six WHAC Tournament Titles in program history.
13 –
Jackie Stanko led the team with 13 kills.
9-3 – Cornerstone recorded nine service aces to the Saints three on the match.
What's Next?
Cornerstone will await their pairing in the opening round of the NAIA National Tournament. The NAIA will be making the qualifier announcement on Monday, April 12 at 11 a.m. EST.
Volleyball Contact:
Jesse Campbell
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