Athletics Headlines: Women's Volleyball Wins Region, Qualifies for NAIA Tourney

« Two From Cross Country Team Compete at Nationals | Main | Women's Basketball Defeats Maryville »

November 21, 2005

Women's Volleyball Wins Region, Qualifies for NAIA Tourney

Columbia, Mo. – Missouri Baptist University defeated Columbia College in the Region V Championship match Saturday. The victory by the Lady Spartans stopped the Columbia Cougar volleyball team from winning its eleventh straight region title. Scores were; 30-21, 25-30, 25-30 and 28-30. Columbia, which is 35-4 on the season, is ranked No. 10 in the final NAIA National Rating. Missouri Baptist, ranked No. 9 in the NAIA, improves to 34-5 on the season with Saturday’s victory.

The Lady Spartans defeated Columbia just a week ago when they claimed the American Midwest Conference post season title in Columbia’s gym. The Cougars have been defeated by Missouri Baptist three out of five matches this season.

Leading MBU’s effort was Ana Mercado, who had 23 kills, three ace serves and seven digs. Tracey Abell had 21 digs and Shannan Swiney had 50 assists and three aces. Kim Ramsay had 10 kills and five blocks.

As the Region V Champion, Missouri Baptist receives an automatic bid to the NAIA National Tournament in San Diego, Calif. Nov. 30 through Dec. 3.

All NAIA Tournament qualifiers can be found at www.naia.org. Pool play assignments will be released on Monday, November 21.