Westmont Volleyball clinched one last trip to the NAIA National Championship in Sioux City, Iowa on Saturday night, after defeating the Montana Tech Orediggers in three sets to in the NAIA Opening Round in Butte, Mt. The scores were 25-20, 28-26, 25-23.
With the win, the Warriors advance to the final site of the NAIA National Championship, where they will compete one final time for the red banner. The school is moving to NCAA Division 2 next year.
“The team played great tonight,” said Westmont head coach Ruth McGolpin. “We jumped up and down for joy when the final point was scored. To get to go one last time in our final year in the NAIA is special. We’re going to enjoy the moment, and we’re excited to get to work after Thanksgiving.”
All-GSAC star Phoebe Minch led the way for Westmont as she collected co-team-high 11 kills along with a game-high 20 digs. Jessie Terlizzi also collected 11 kills, while Taylor Distelberg added seven of her own to go with a team-high six blocks.
All-GSAC setter Keelyn Kistner led Westmont with 24 assists, while Alexa Shiner collected 16 as well.
“Phoebe’s passing was on point and her attacking was the best on the team,” noted McGolpin. “She played smart, her serving was excellent, and it was overall just a great performance for Phoebe. Jessie also came up with some monster kills when we needed it, and her passing was excellent tonight as well.”
Pool play in the NAIA National Championship is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, November 30, The National Championship match is scheduled for Tuesday, December 6.