Postgame Press Conference
WHEELING, W.Va. – On a night when momentum and a strong-willed opponent were on the other side of the net, the Cardinals saw another impressive season come to a close. The hard-charging Lady Knights of Gannon prevailed over Wheeling Jesuit and captured its first NCAA Division II Atlantic Region volleyball crown, 3-0, Saturday night.
 
No. 2 seeded Gannon (31-6) went out to an early 10-4 opening set lead and never truly lost its momentum through the three sets. The Lady Knights took away 25-20 and 25-14 first two-set wins, before the Cardinals (33-6) came on. WJU went out to a 12-9 third set lead, but it could not keep the good fortunes churning as Gannon reversed it shortly in the set to close out the match 25-17.
 
The Cardinals defeat ends their six year run of being the top of the Atlantic Region hill. WJU did record its 11 consecutive 30-plus win season and fifth-straight Mountain East Conference title over the campaign.
 
In their final matches, seniors Maddy Smith downed five kills and accounted for two blocks, while Abby Moffit had a dig. The two veterans were part of three Atlantic Region title team and the last members of the 2015 National Champion squad.
 
Cassie Meyer paced the Cardinals attack with 12 kills to go with 11 digs. Haley Kramer added eight kills and four total blocks.
 
Makenna Babb chipped in seven kills, 10 digs and two blocks. Stephanie Sylvester handed out 32 assists, dug eight attacks and lined an ace. Audrey Francis had 17 digs.
 
Ally Smith guided the Lady Knights with 13 kills and eight digs.
 
 
 

-GoCards-