Win Over Wooster Secures Share of NCAC Title

WOOSTER, OH – Coming together as a team, Wittenberg's women's volleyball team clinched a share of the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) title after coasting to a 3-0 victory over Wooster on the road Wednesday night, Oct. 29, at Timken Gymnasium.

With the victory, the Tigers are guaranteed a first-round bye and home-court advantage in the upcoming NCAC Tournament that will take place, Nov. 11-15.

"We talk about continuing to show growth in everything we do, so it was nice to get a conference road win in a match where a lot of people were able to contribute," said Tiger Women's Volleyball Head Coach Evelyn Miller. "I'm proud of the discipline and the continued effort this team is showing, no matter who is on the floor."

It was the sixth win in a row for Wittenberg as the Tigers remained undefeated and alone at the top of the NCAC at 6-0. John Carroll is in second at 5-1, with its only loss being to Wittenberg, and both DePauw and Ohio Wesleyan are 3-2 in the conference.

Despite a close second set on paper, Wittenberg led from start to finish in every set, sailing to the victory in scores of 25-15, 25-23, and 25-11 behind key offensive plays from numerous players. Different players have stepped up on different nights to lead the team. On this night, it was the dynamic trio of Kaili Worcester (Powell, OH / Olentangy Liberty), Kait Colahan (Vermilion, OH / Vermilion), and Clare O'Malley (Avon, OH / St. Joseph's Academy). Worcester and Colahan each had a team-high 10 kills, and O'Malley added nine. Worcester led the team in points with 10.5, and Colahan and O'Malley each added 10. The Tigers outhit Wooster .283 to .084 in the match.

The win gives Wittenberg an overall record of 15-7, while Wooster drops to 5-18 on the season and 1-5 in the conference. In the series against Wooster that started in 1979, Wittenberg leads 46-3. It was Wittenberg's 41st win in a row over the Fighting Scots.

Team Leaders

• Ava Golem (Kirtland, OH / Kirtland) led the team in service aces with two.
• Madelyn Luers (Liberty Township, OH / Lakota East) and O'Malley led the team in blocks with two each.
• Ally White (Harrison, OH / Harrison) had a team-high 15 digs to lead the defense, Piper Ricketts (Morrow, OH / Little Miami) added 11, and Worcester registered seven.
• Mary Sulfridge (South Charleston, OH / Southeastern) led the team in assists with 27. 

Team Comparison

• Team totals for Wittenberg included 48 kills on 113 total attacks for a .283 hitting percentage. The Tigers also had 45 assists, four service aces, 8.0 blocks, and 55 digs. 
• Wooster registered 21 kills on 95 total attacks for a hitting percentage of .084. The Fighting Scots also added 20 assists, two service aces, six blocks, and 46 digs. 

Up Next
The Tigers will host DePauw in the final NCAC matchup of the season at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, in Pam Evans Smith Arena, part of the Health, Wellness & Athletics Complex. It will be Senior Recognition Day for the Tigers.

Written By: Cindy Holbrook