UC Clermont Volleyball Team Wins State Championship

   With a three game win over Ohio University-Lancaster in the finals, the UC Clermont volleyball team captured the championship of the Ohio Regional Campus State Tournament.

 

This victory made history as it represents the first ever State Championship for the UC Clermont volleyball program.  The Cougars reached the championship match in 2001, but lost to Miami-Middletown in that contest.  UC Clermont College has also not participated in the event the last three years as it coincided with the United States Collegiate Athletic Association National Championship Tournament.

 

The Cougars entered the tournament as the number one seed – a reward for an undefeated season in Ohio Regional Campus Conference (ORCC) play.  They faced Ohio State University-Lima – a team they had beaten twice during the regular season.  The Cougars continued this trend with a 25-10, 25-12, 25-20 sweep of the Barons.  This victory propelled the Cougars into the semi-finals the next day.

 

UC Clermont’s semi-final opponent was Ohio State University-Newark.  Until recently, the Titans had dominated the eastern division of the ORCC by winning six consecutive regular season titles – a streak broken this year by Ohio University – Lancaster.  Newark was still quite a force as the match was a high-paced, intense affair.  Clermont’s blocking made the difference early as the Cougars took the first game 25-17.  After a thrilling 29-27 second game win, Newark turned the tables 18-25.  Game four saw Clermont resume control as the Cougars finished off the Titans 25-17.  Clermont hit a stellar .330 for the contest and recorded 60 digs.

 

With this victory, the Cougars advanced to the championship match against a team they had faced and defeated early in the year – number two seeded Ohio University-Lancaster.  The contest proved to be worthy of a championship match as the teams exchanged leads often.  Game one went extra points before Clermont prevailed 27-25.  Propelled by 11 service aces, the Cougars took game two 25-19 and held on for a 25-23 game three win. 

 

Two Clermont players received awards during post game ceremonies.  Senior Kelley Koons was named the tournament Most Valuable Player.  Sophomore Lauren Bradford was also named to the All-Tournament team. 

 

“Even though only two players received awards, all nine members of our rotation had an exceptional tournament and allowed us to make history,” said UC Clermont Head Coach Joe Harpring.  “The team saved some of their best volleyball of the year for this contest.  I’m very proud of these kids and the way they came together as a team to achieve their goal.”

 

On the heels of this outstanding accomplishment came more exciting news.   UC Clermont received a bid to their fourth consecutive United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) National Championship Tournament.  The Cougars will travel to Louisville, Kentucky this year to face nine of the outstanding USCAA volleyball programs in the country.  Play starts on Thursday, November 5 with the final rounds set for November 7.