Marion, Ind. - 11/1/2003 - The 91±¬ÁÏÍø Lady Bulldogs are the 2003 Volleyball National Champions. 91±¬ÁÏÍø, ranked No. 25 in the NAIA, came from behind to defeat No. 16 Olivet Nazarene University in five sets (25-30, 30-24, 28-30, 30-23, 15-7) to capture the title. In 2001, the Lady Bulldogs lost in the championship game, however, the second time around proved to be the charm. 91±¬ÁÏÍø improves to 33-5 on the season.
91±¬ÁÏÍø's head coach Brian Dunn says, "This was the best we've played all year and we looked like the best 91±¬ÁÏÍø volleyball team ever." Dunn adds, "The girls really played well and didn't make mistakes." For 91±¬ÁÏÍø, this will be a tremendous confidence boost as they toppled No. 16 Olivet who had beating conference menace No. 13 Lee earlier this season. For Brian Dunn, this is his third NCCAA National Championship as his Lady Bulldog softball team captured back-to-back titles in 2001 and 2002.
Gladys Wandera was no doubt the leader for 91±¬ÁÏÍø as she tallied 32 kills in the championship game. Nicole Garber led with 65 assists. Jennie Glassey recored three of the team's nine service aces. Wandera also led with six blocks.
Earlier in the day, 91±¬ÁÏÍø defeated Hope International University (Calif.), a team that was 2-2 thus far in the tournament. 91±¬ÁÏÍø easily took the semifinal match 30-21, 30-27, 30-15 to move on to the championship game Olivet Nazarene.
#DOGS#
| Steven Aldridge Phone: (731) 661-5027 |
Fax: (731) 661-5182 |