LAKEWOOD, Colo. - Tournament MVP Emily Berger pounded 18 kills with four blocks to lead the Lady Jackets to a three-set sweep over Dallas Baptist to claim the National Christian College Athletic Association Championship. It’s the third title in the last four years for Cedarville.
The Lady Jackets, who finish the season 27-12, won the championship match 25-15, 25-22, 25-20. Berger continued her torrid play at the net and was aided by all-tournament middle hitter Kylee Husak, who tallied 10 kills and three blocks. Senior libero Libby Aker wrapped up her stellar career with a team-high 24 digs while Sarah Sheers handed out 42 assists and served up three aces. [STATS]
NCCAA Tournament MVP Emily Berger
First-year head coach Doug Walters was tabbed the NCCAA Coach of the Year. CU won its first banner in 2005 under Teresa Clark and repeated in 2006 with Melissa Hartman at the helm.
The Jackets needed a remarkable comeback against American Mideast Conference foe Mount Vernon Nazarene in the semifinals even to advance. Cedarville rallied from a two-set deficit to win, 22-25, 24-26, 27-25, 25-20, 18-16. Berger had 19 kills including the 1,000th of her career. Husak added 19 kills and three blocks.
Maija Hampton contributed 13 kills, five blocks, and 16 digs. Justine Christiaanse had 11 kills and Sheers piled up 63 assists, 10 kills, and 24 digs. Aker had 24 digs, Katherine MacKenzie tallied 19, and Sarah Hartman chipped in 11 blocks. [STATS]
The Lady Jackets celebrate with family and friends after winning the 2008 NCCAA Volleyball Championship.