Richard Bland wins first DII Volleyball Championship
Cedar Rapids, IA – Appearing in the national title game for the first time ever, Richard Bland was able to claim their first national championship.
Richard Bland was led by tournament MVP Karagyn Durco as they defeated Scottsdale in a five set thriller 26-24, 25-23, 22-25, 19-25, and 16-14.
Tale of the Tape
The 5th Seed Richard Bland entered the tournament with only 3 losses and showed everyone the fight in the Statemen have by winning 3-1 over (10) McHenry County, 3-0 vs. (4) Iowa Central, and 3-2 thriller against (1) Johnson County.
Richard Bland took the first set in a thriller 26-24. Finishing the set with a service ace by Silaulauinasimativa Aoelua.
The Statemen kept the ball rolling by taking set two 25-23. Hailey Hopkins ended the set will a kill.
Scottsdale came out on a mission in the next to sets winning 25-22 and 25-19.
The fifth set was a back in forth affair with the largest lead being three at 5-2 Richard Bland. The teams continued to trade points. Until Scottsdale took a 14-13 lead with a chance to win the match but Sarah Heath came through with a kill for the Statesmen. Richard Bland then scored the next point on an attack error. The match point was then scored on a ball handling error to clinch the title for Richard Bland.
Scottsdale's chance at a second title comes up just short
Scottsdale came into the tournament as the 6th seed and battled to the championship game. They beat (11) Muskegon 3-0, (3) Cowley 3-2, and (2) Parkland 3-0.
Scottsdale was led all-tournament by all-tournament team members Shauna Rath and Savannah Davis.
Defending Champion Parkland claims third place
The No. 2 seed Parkland came in to defend last year's championship and put together a strong run throughout. After falling to Scottsdale in the semifinal, the Cobras took the court against Johnson County.
The Cobras swept the Cavaliers in three straight sets to claim a third place finish.
