Eagles Post Season Wrap

Elgin, IL - After a sensational season a year ago, the Eagles Women's Volleyball team had another nice run. While it may not have ended as planned, it is hard to say a 19 win season is a lost campaign. But after a 23-5 NAIA National Tournament run, the bar was indeed set high. 

JU finished 19-14 overall, and 10-4 in CCAC Conference play. With the addition of national power Viterbo, the conference gauntlet instantly became tougher. Still, they managed a third place finish in the CCAC regular season, and reached the conference tournament semi-finals. A heartbreaking loss in the semis kept the Eagles from the conference championship game for the second straight year. 

Due to their success, Judson had the opportunity to compete against several NAIA nationally ranked teams this season, including Jamestown, Bellevue, and Park. 

They also went 6-2 in games against NCCAA opponents. As part of those high goals for the season, JU competed at Bethel for the NCCAA Regional Championship. But it was not meant to be for the Eagles as they fell in straight sets, missing an at-large birth as well. 

Still, many good things came from this season. Yomailis Fernandez got her well-deserved and well-earned recognition this season. On a senior heavy team a season ago, it was hard for Fernandez to get her credit. But, this year the hard work paid off as she was named CCAC 1st Team All-Conference. In a more leadership role, Fernandez posted 308 kills, 387 digs, and 29 aces. 

Including their libero, the Eagles replaced five of seven starters from a season ago. Stepping into the setter's role was Alina Romero, who was named CCAC 2nd Team All-Conference. Romero had 574 assists. As part of the two-headed duo, Reese McCutchan also had 514 assists in her first season. 

Two other new and welcomed additions were Maisie Green and Jaclyn Riedl. Green was also named to the CCAC 2nd Team All-Conference squad. She posted 192 kills, and 89 blocks. Green was a presence at the net for JU. As was Riedl who had 167 kills, and 29 aces. Look for them to step into that leadership role in 2025 for the Eagles. 

Next year, also look out for Issy Nick. The high-flyer shined coming off of the bench for Judson this season. The outside hitter managed 132 kills in her first year inside the Nest. 

Emalee Wiley was a part of four seniors that walked on senior night this year. In a full-time starter role, Wiley dazzled with 397 digs and 30 aces. Both led the team. The other seniors were Fernandez, Ryann Mitchell, and Alyssa Gerzel. 

As for Gerzel, a fabulous career has come to an end. The senior captain marveled all season long. She continued to add to her resume, and etched her name into the school record books. Gerzel was once again named CCAC 1st Team All-Conference. With NCCAA awards and other national awards still pending. 

Gerzel finished with 412 kills, 299 digs, 45 blocks, and 29 aces on the season. For her career, she finishes with 1442 kills, which puts her 6th in school history. Gerzel had 3948 attempts, 5th all time. She finished with exactly 1000 career digs, and over 100 career aces. Gerzel is one of the best to ever play in an Eagles uniform. 

Head Coach Alyssa Wido moved to 7th on the list for head coaching victories. 

The Eagles volleyball program is certainly in good hands, as they reload for 2025.