Volleyball District Championship 2023
Malarski Media
0
Owens Community Coll OWENS CO
3
Winner Harper College HARPER C
Owens Community Coll OWENS CO
0
Final
3
Harper College HARPER C
Winner
Set Scores
Team 1 2 3 F
Owens Community Coll OWENS CO 21 20 21 (0)
Harper College HARPER C 25 25 25 (3)

Game Recap: Women's Volleyball |

Harper Volleyball wins District Championship!

District 4 Champion Harper Volleyball defeated District 12 Champion, also Nationally Ranked #2 Owens Volleyball 25-21, 25-20, 25-21
Palatine, IL:  The gym was packed again for the District Final, between Region 12 (Ohio/Michigan) winner Owens College, who is currently ranked #2 in the top-15 list, and Region 4 (Illinois/Wisconsin) winner, Harper College. Fortunately for Harper College, this was a home match and as usual, the stands were packed with support from friends, family and Harper athletes, most notably the Men's basketball team, among others. This support went a long way to aid in Harper Volleyball team's success!

Owens had to drive all the way from Toledo, OH (5 hours) to play this match, today. Many fans from Owens were in the stands as well, as Owens travels well 'as they say'.

In the first set, Harper fell behind right away at 1-6, and called timeout. After Owens got the next point at 1-7, Harper fought all the way to 7-8, but then fell back again 10-15, 12-18 and 13-19.  Harper then drew within two at 17-19, and tied the score at 21-21 before winning 25-21. This opening set was a great win and comeback victory. Ava Belluomini led Harper with 5 kills on 8 attacks. Middles Stacy Maimur and Taylor Knuth each had 3 kills. Maya Sokolowski had 2 kills and a block. Knuth had the secret sauce at serving with 10-10 serving and 3 aces in a row, plus led Harper with 6 digs. Belluomini was 7-7 serving with 2 aces, also in a row, and 4 digs.

In the second set, Harper started out behind but tied the score at 8-8. Harper led 13-9, when Owens called a timeout. Harper led 19-14 and Owens called another timeout Harper extended the lead to 21-17 and won 25-20. Knuth led Harper this set with 5 kills. Regina Anelli added 3 more. Belluomini continued her serving 7-7 with an ace. Eden Suh had 7 digs, and Cana Jones had 6 digs.

The 3rd set started out just like the first set… Harper fell behind 1-6 again, and Harper called timeout, again. Harper continued to chase Owens at 5-10 and 11-15. But Harper dug deep and played volleyball with their hearts. And with the crowd cheering Harper Volleyball on louder and louder, the score was finally tied at 16-16 and 18-18. Harper got a lucky point on a touch at 19-18 when a ball was flying out of bounds. But Owens tied the score at 19-19. Harper led 20-19, on a 'reach over the net' foul… then tied the score at 21-21. Harper called a timeout and won the next 4 points to win 25-21. Knuth had 4 kills, and 2 blocks. Suh and Abby Major each had 7 digs to lead Harper in this last set.

 

By winning the Midwest District, Harper earns the right to represent the Midwest District at the NJCAA National Championship tournament in Cedar Rapids, on November 9-11, 2023.  The banquet will be on November 8.  There will be 16 teams there.

So far:  Northampton (PA), Raritan Valley (NJ), Century (MN), Alexandria Tech (MN), Harper (IL), Eastfield (TX), Caldwell Tech (NC), Monroe College – Bronx (NY) and Dutchess (NY)...

There are 3 more spots to be determined, plus 4 more At-Large bids will attend to be named on Tuesday, Oct 31. 
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