Nov. 22, 2008

Article courtesy of Lubbock Christian (Texas) Sports Information Office

LUBBOCK, Texas - History somewhat repeated itself Saturday afternoon at Rip Griffin Center, and for Wiley College, it was another historical season brought to a close by a Lubbock Christian University victory.  The No. 24 Lady Chaparrals of LCU defeated Wiley College 3-0 (25-12, 25-16, 25-18) in the Opening Round of the NAIA Volleyball National Championships to advance to the finals in Sioux City, Iowa.

In 1980, in the first-ever District VIII (NAIA) Tournament in Hawkins, Texas, the Lady Chaps appeared as the second ranked team in the tourney behind top-seeded and undefeated Wiley College.  Wiley was experiencing their best season in school history (15-0).  The Lady Chaps ended up defeating the Lady Wildcats 2-0 (15-2, 15-13) in the winners bracket and later in the finals 2-0 (15-3, 15-1) to deny the Lady 'Cats their first National Championship birth.

Fast forward to Saturday, which was only the fifth all-time meeting between the two programs and the third since their finals meeting in 1980.  Wiley came in with a 32-7 record this season, marking their most wins in school history.  They also came in following their first ever Red River Athletic Conference championship, which placed them with their first ever birth into the National Championship.  The Chaps, making their sixth National Championship appearance and their first under head coach Jennifer Lawrence, had no problem putting a close to Wiley's historic chapter this season.

LCU posted a season-high .439 kill percentage as they combined for 49 kills on 98 attempts and committed just six errors.  Elissa Loynes led the way with 14 kills and Marissa Green contributed 12.  It was a total team effort for the Lady Chaps, as Courtney Yonke registered a match-high 20 digs and Rachel Stuyvesant tallied a match-high 40 assists.  Despite the loss, the Lady Wildcats received production from Jessica Lopez, who had a team-high ten kills.  The Lady 'Cats only led the match on two occasions and never led by more than a point.  They close an impressive season with a 32-8 mark.