After a 30-game win streak, the Bears season came to an end in the National Championship match at the hands of Juniata University. The only team to beat the Bears in the regular season, the Eagles rallied from a 2-1 deficit to take down the Bears in five games (30-27, 20-30, 30-22, 27-30, 10-15). The Bears were within four points of their ninth National Championship before the Eagles’ stars Stephanie Kines, Amber Thomas, and Rachael Schatz, who each tallied over 20 kills, took control.
The Bears played tough defense, tallying 18 team blocks and 76 digs against the hard-hitting Eagles. Senior Amy Bommarito led the defense with 23 digs while sophomore Alli Alberts added 15.
But the Red and Green’s All-Americans showed up to play as junior Emilie Walk led the offense with 17 kills and 11 blocks. Classmate Haleigh Spencer tallied 10 kills and 15 digs as senior Whitney Smith collected 15 kills and eight blocks. Sophomore Nikki Morrison also added 10 kills. Smith and Walk were named to the NCAA All-tournament team.
With four players named AVCA All-Americans, six players named all-UAA, and five to the AVCA all-region, the Bears dominated Division III volleyball this season. From freshman Vicki Blood to seniors Whitney Smith, Amy Bommarito, and Laurel Sagartz, the Bears have commanded the respect of the volleyball world and made a case for their season-long second spot. Falling short this season, the Bears return four starters and several strong bench players and are sure to make waves in upcoming seasons.