Greene County News
MASON — Cedarville outlasted Davis & Elkins in five sets to win the Great Midwest Athletic Conference tournament and earn the program’s first-ever bid to the NCAA Division II Championship.
The Yellow Jackets, 26-8, won by scores of 25-14, 31-33, 25-17, 22-25, 15-8, Saturday at Mason Arena.
“I cannot even begin to express how proud I am of our team today. After the result from one year ago, this team had a focus and a mission this year that all started with off-season training in January. They were very determined not to make the same mistakes as last season and finish the job in the G-MAC Tournament,” said coach Doug Walters. “Wow, what a final! That is the kind of match that you love to see for a conference championship. D&E played one of the best matches that I have seen from them all season and I would love to congratulate them on a strong finish to their year.”
G-MAC Player of the Year Gabby Olson buried 19 kills with four blocks to lead Cedarville’s play at the net.
Taylor Wilkerson pounded a career-high 16 kills with six blocks and three service aces. Abby Shelton racked up 13 kills, 21 digs, and three aces while Krissy Pratt added 11 kills and three aces.
Kristin Cardwell dished out a career-high 59 assists with three aces. Angela Becker totaled 18 digs and Rachel Krikke had five blocks.
Five Facts:
• Cedarville has appeared in all five G-MAC final matches ever played with four victories.
• The Lady Jackets join basketball (2015), soccer (2015), and cross country (2016) as CU women’s teams to qualify for the NCAA Division II Championship.
• It was just the second time this season that Wilkerson has posted double figures in kills (Tiffin, 11).
• Cedarville is 10-0 all-time vs. Davis & Elkins.
