Elgin, IL - It was a lively atmosphere on an exciting Saturday night. For the first time in five years, the Judson campus hosted a championship game event. On this night, it was the Eagles Women's Volleyball Team continuing their magical 2023 season taking on the St. Ambrose Fighting Bees for the CCAC Tournament Championship. 

Judson, (23-4) took the opening set 25-23 in a set that was close throughout. The set featured several ties, and neither team led by more than three points. 

In set two, it was St. Ambrose (19-14) evening things up 28-26. Again both teams went back and forth with neither team leading by more than three points. A questionable call late in the match swung a point in favor of the Bees that may have been the difference in the set winner. A kill by Yomailis Fernandez that looked in, was deemed out. 

In set three, both teams proved that they could dig team as there were some incredible saves and rallies all night long. The Bees were up 14-10, only to see the Eagles rally back to an 18-15 lead. St. Ambrose returned the run, to close on a 10-4 run to win 25-22. 

Set four saw JU jump out to a 10-6 lead looking to force a fifth and deciding set. Again the Bees closed well on a 8-2 run to win the set 25-20, the game, and the tournament championship. 

For the Eagles, Alyssa Gerzel had a great match with a game high 19 kills, and also added four aces. Emmaline Davey also reached double-digit kills with 11. Lindsay Lawlor posted a 41 assist night, while Kenia Diaz Vega led with 21 digs. 

One key stat was the Bees' ability to out block the Eagles 24-7. 

Both teams played a hard-fought competitive championship match. 

The Eagles came into the tournament as the #1 overall seed, and were able to host all three rounds of the playoffs. In a tremendous year, that ironically saw JU lose their very first home match, and see their final home game suffer the same fate, what happened in-between was a fabulous run by a hard-working and talented squad. 

Both St. Ambrose and Judson earned the two CCAC bids for the NAIA National Tournament. The Eagles for winning the regular season, and St. Ambrose for winning the tournament. Both teams would have received bids regardless of the outcome of last night's game. 

The National selection process will take place on November 13th and 14th, with the NAIA Opening Round being played on November 18th. 

JU will now turn their attention to the National Tournament looking to continue a fantastic 2023 season.

Be sure to follow along on judsoneagles.com and all of the social channels for news and updates. 

ProtectTheNest