Juniata Makes Third Straight National Finals
Defeats Wittenberg in Repeat Match Up
Box Score 

November 17, 2006

SALEM, Va. --- The history between Juniata College and Wittenberg University in the national semifinals is well documented, lending the expectation of a second exciting match up.  While the result may not have included the same drama as last season’s tournament classic, Friday night’s edition contained the same high-quality play on both sides of the court.  Juniata proved victorious, earning a spot into the national finals with a 3-0 triumph (30-28, 30-24, 30-22).

It was this time last year that the Eagles and Tigers squared off in one of the most memorable contests in NCAA Division III Volleyball Championship tournament history, carrying their semi-final match up to five games in which Juniata came back from a 14-10 deficit to win 16-14.

Four Eagles registered double-digit kills to spur a .341 team hitting percentage.  Amber Thomas led the way with match highs of 19 kills and 20 digs.  Rachael Schatz added 15 kills while Erin Albert put up 12 kills and eight blocks (seven assists).  Stephanie Kines notched 11 kills and three blocks, and setter Beth Kozak handed out 59 assists.

Wittenberg’s offense was led by 12 kills from Emily Bell and eight from Caitlin Augustus.  Jan Kehres chipped in 15 digs while Laura Fender collected 12 digs.  Setters Sarah Matesich and Eric Slattery dished out 19 and 14 assists, respectively.

The first game was telling of the history between the two teams.  Points were traded back and forth throughout the stanza with each team attacking the net with a mixture of stunning power and tactical precision.    Juniata did enough to separate itself from Wittenberg near the end of the frame, and maintained its two-point edge to a 30-28 first game win.

“That first game was the key,” mentioned Juniata head coach Larry Bock.  “If we don’t rally and win that first game, I think we were all a little worried.  Wittenberg is a fine team.”

Play opened up a little in the second game with the Eagles moving out to a to a 13-9 edge, albeit short-lived thanks to a Tiger mini-rally.  Juniata immediately responded, pushing out to a timeout-inducing 19-13 advantage.  Sarah Matesich’s serve rotation proved productive for Wittenberg as they pushed the score to 19-17 with good hitting and solid defense at the net.  The Eagles again turned away the Tigers run, reestablishing its control at the net and earning a 30-24 victory.

Juniata took control of the third game early, forcing a pair of Wittenberg timeouts inside of 30 combined points scored, but Wittenberg regrouped to pull within three at 18-15.  The Eagles again proved their resolve, regaining control of the floor on the way to a 30-22 win.

The Eagles move on to face Washington University-St. Louis for the national title.  Juniata will be looking for its second crown while the Bears will be in search of a ninth national championship.  Match time is set for 7:00 p.m. in the Salem Civic Center.