Grand Rapids, Mich. – Women's Volleyball competed in the WHAC Tournament Championship against the top seed Aquinas Saints where it was an uphill battle from the beginning. The ladies could not find success on the attack with a powerful blocking Saints front line. Aquinas proved their dominance as they finished 23-0 on the year against WHAC opponents. The Golden Eagles now turn their focus to the NAIA National Tournament as they will look to make history in search of Women's Volleyball National Title.
Game Recap – Cornerstone – 0 Aquinas – 3 (13-25, 17-25, 19-25)
First Set: Cornerstone – 13 Aquinas – 25
- The first set of this WHAC Championship Final went in favor of the #1 seed Aquinas Saints as they took a dominant 6-1 lead and forced Cornerstone into the first timeout of the match.
- Aubrey Johnson and Gabby VerBerkmoes gathered a kill each, but Cornerstone still struggled to keep the pace with the Saints as they now trailed 13-4 in their second timeout of the first set.
- The Golden Eagles first set was one to forget as they lost 25-13 with blocks at the net telling the story for Aquinas.
Second Set: Cornerstone – 17 Aquinas – 25
- Aquinas came out hot again in the second set with an early 3-0 lead, but Cornerstone fought back quickly through Aubrey Johnson to level the match at 3-3.
- Cornerstone began to take advantage of some Saints errors in the set as they led 8-6 looking to find the set win and level the match.
- The fight continued as Aquinas forced Cornerstone into their first timeout of the set after flipping the script and taking a 14-11 lead.
- The Golden Eagles called yet another timeout in this match as they trailed 18-12 in this pivotal second set.
- Aubrey Johnson secured two strong swings for the Golden Eagles, yet they still were six points shy of Aquinas late in the set.
- The Saints went on to bring home another set win and take a massive step forward in securing the WHAC Championship title.
Third Set: Cornerstone – 19 Aquinas – 25
- Josilyn Potter and Aubrey Johnson got going quickly in the third set with kills to give CU the 3-2 lead as they fought for their WHAC Final lives.
- Aquinas returned the favor with a run of their own to flip the score and take a 9-4 lead in the third set.
- Cornerstone saw their defense step up big and force mistakes on the Saints attackers with the score now tied at 11-11.
- The Golden Eagles lost their momentum and the Saints never looked back as they secured the sweep and the WHAC Championship.
By The Numbers:
10 –
Aubrey Johnson led Cornerstone with 10 kills in the match.
8 – Despite the loss in the WHAC Final the Golden Eagles prepare for their 8
th NAIA National Tournament Appearance.
What's Next?
Women's Volleyball sets their sights on the NAIA National Tournament with info and opponents yet to be released.
Volleyball Contact:
Mason Young
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