WILMORE, Ky. --- In the final at the Collegiate Conference of the South (CCS) Championship on Saturday afternoon in Wilmore, Ky., the No. 1 seed Asbury volleyball team (22-7, 15-1) secured a narrow victory over No. 2 seed Maryville College (24-8, 13-3). Asbury won in five sets with a score of 3-2, marking a significant milestone as they secured their first-ever entry into the NCAA Division III Volleyball Tournament.
The match opened with the Eagles facing a tough start, losing the first set 27-17 to the Scots. However, Asbury displayed resilience, bouncing back to take the next two sets 25-19 and 25-17, demonstrating offensive and defensive strength.
Maryville responded by clinching the fourth set 25-22, pushing the match to a decisive fifth set. In a back-and-forth finish that saw the Scots leading 6-3, Asbury edged out Maryville with a 15-12 win in the final set, sealing their first-ever CCS Tournament Championship and 13th straight win.
Standout performances came from Abigail Bruner, who not only led the team with 13 kills but also was dominant on defense with three blocks. Her exceptional play throughout the tournament earned her the CCS Tournament MVP.
Other notable contributions included Isabelle VandeSchraaf with 16 kills and 11 digs, and the Gray sisters, Lucy Kate and Sara Beth, each providing strong support with 24 assists apiece.
The Eagles showcased a balanced team effort on defense as well, with Sophie Glushchak leading the team with four blocks. The defensive line was further bolstered by Riley McChord, who topped the digs chart with 25 on the match. Asbury's ability to maintain focus and execute under pressure was exemplified in their come-from-behind sets and the tight clincher in the fifth.
With this win, Asbury improves their overall season record to 22-7, the most wins for an AU Volleyball team since the 2014 season. Looking forward, the team's focus will shift to the NCAA Tournament, with the selection show scheduled for Monday, November 17, at 1 pm.
Watch the NCAA Tournament Selection Show Here (Monday, at 1 pm)
View the Championship Recap Video Here
"Our team found a way to dig deep and win this one. They all knew what was at stake, and I am so proud of this team."
Tiffany Horton | Asbury Volleyball Head Coach
* Abigail Bruner | 13 Kills, Ace, 2 Blocks, CCS Tournament MVP
* Sara Beth Gray | 24 AST, All-Tournament Team
* Sophie Glushchak | 10 Kills, 2 Blocks, All-Tournament Team
* Lucy Kate Gray | 24 AST, 7 Digs, 2 Aces
* Riley McChord | 25 Digs, 5 AST
Asbury will move on to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history. The selection show is on Monday at 1 pm, with the link above to watch live.
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