Cleveland State claims 2007 Horizon League Volleyball Championship

Nov. 18, 2007

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Championship Central

MILWAUKEE, Wis. - The Cleveland State University Vikings defeated the Valparaiso University Crusaders 3-1 (30-27, 28-30, 30-27, 30-23) in the championship final match of the 2007 Horizon League Volleyball Championship Saturday at the Klotsche Center. With the win, CSU earned the League's automatic bid to the 2007 NCAA Volleyball Championship for the first time in school history and captured its first-ever tournament crown.

Cleveland State sophomore Beth Greulich led the way with 17 kills and was one of four CSU players that finished with double-digit kill totals. Freshman Alexis Korovich posted a double-double with 15 kills and 15 digs.

Valparaiso had three players reach double-figures in kills led by sophomore Val Bollenbacher's 18 terminations. Senior Tiffany Meikle led the Crusaders defensively with a match-high 19 digs.

CSU freshman Amy Benz was named the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament and was selected to the all-tournament team along with teammates Korovich and junior Jenni Ramminger. Valparaiso's Bollenbacher, sophomore Angie Porche and junior Brittany Malicoat rounded out the all-tournament team.

In game one, Valparaiso opened the match with an early 10-5 lead, but Cleveland State would respond as it won 12 of the next 14 points to take a 16-12 lead. The Vikings would not trail for the remainder of the frame as they claimed a 30-27 victory. CSU's Greulich led the way with eight kills as she hit .375 in the frame.

Valparaiso responded in the second game as it tallied a 30-28 triumph to even the match at one game apiece. Freshman Tara Newton led the way in the second frame as she collected six kills.

Cleveland State struck back in the third game to take a 2-1 match lead. The Vikings jumped out to an early 10-6 lead and they would not trail for the rest of the frame to claim a 30-27 win. CSU out hit Valpo .261-.222 and received four kills from sophomore Liz Fazio.

The Vikings closed out the match in the fourth game 30-23. The fourth frame remained close in the early going as no team led by more than three points. Down the stretch, Cleveland State and Valparaiso led by one point at 19-18, but the Vikings won five straight points to take a 24-18 lead to put the game away.

For more information regarding the 2007 Horizon League Volleyball Championship, check out the volleyball championship central page at www.horizonleague.org.

2007 All-Tournament Team
Amy Benz, Cleveland State (MVP)
Alexis Korovich, Cleveland State
Jenni Ramminger, Cleveland State
Angie Porche, Valparaiso
Brittany Malicoat, Valparaiso
Val Bollenbacher, Valparaiso