The Western volleyball team advanced to the Division II Final Four after handling Rockhurst University in the Elite Eight in four sets on Thursday, Dec. 10. After defeating Cal State- San Bernardino in the Elite Eight at the Division II tournament at Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage Sunday, Dec. 6, the Vikings faced the Rockhurst University Hawks in Tampa, Florida. The Vikings got off to a tough start of their match and lost the first set 25-20. The Vikings then rallied to win the second set 25-17, the third set 25-15 and the fourth set 25-22. Freshman Kayleigh Harper led the team in kills with 16, and was followed by senior Jennica McPherson with 14. Defensively, sophomore Joellee Buckner provided 22 digs along with another 22 digs from GNAC Freshman of the Year Abby Phelps. The Vikings will face the Wheeling Jesuit University Cardinals 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11 for a chance to play for the National Championship. The two teams met in their season opener with Western losing in three sets.
