Sophomore middle hitter Jackie Albrecht (left), who on Friday recorded her 1,000th career kill, led the Lady Cougars (36-11) with 22 kills, 20 digs, and five blocks. Junior right-side hitter Courtney Springer added 20 kills, 14 digs, and four blocks, while junior setter Kaylin Austen handed out 57 assists while matching her career high with 16 digs. Sophomore libero Caitlin Myles posted 33 digs, and senior outside hitter Audrey Hickinbotham tallied six kills, three blocks, and 20 digs in the final match of her career. Freshman middle hitter Gina Porto also contributed 11 kills and a team-high seven blocks.

“We got off to a great start in the first two sets and then Cedarville really caught on fire,” said MVNU coach Paul Swanson. “The third set was a battle and they out-played us in the fourth set. The fifth set was just a back and forth set that could have gone either way. I am proud of our effort and the way that we represented ourselves and our university on this trip.”

Cedarville (27-12) went on to sweep Dallas Baptist (Texas) University 25-15, 25-22, 25-20 to capture its third NCCAA national title in the past four years. Albrecht and Austen were named to the NCCAA All-National Tournament Team for their efforts in leading the Lady Cougars to a 3-2 record in five matches over the past three days.

With Hickinbotham as the only senior on the roster, MVNU will return an experienced group of players when the 2009 season rolls around.