Wittenberg University vs. Alma College NCAA Division III Great Lakes Regional Semifinal

7 p.m. -- Wittenberg (28-6) def. Alma (31-6)
3-0 (30-22, 32-30, 30-15)
The Wittenberg University Tigers, champions of the North Coast Athletic Conference and the fifth-ranked team in the nation in the latest American Volleyball Coaches Association poll, swept their way into the NCAA Division III Great Lakes Regional Championship game Friday with a 3-0 (30-22, 32-30, 30-15) win over the Alma College Scots. The Tigers, who won their first regional title in school history in 2002, will take on Ohio Northern in the 2003 title match at 7 p.m. Saturday in the HPER Center.

The Tigers were dominant in the first and third games, but they had to rally a bit in Game 2. Alma took a 25-22 lead before the Tigers rallied back and eventually took a 30-29 lead on a kill by Emily Dixon. After the teams traded points, Michelle Emming hammered home the game-winner for Wittenberg, and the momentum carried into Game 3 as the Tigers won handily.

Wittenberg put four players in double figures in kills, led by Lindsay Nelson with 13. Kristin Fox and Michelle Emming each posted kill totals of 11 and Dixon added 10 kills. Sarah Yuskewich chipped in with 37 assists and 10 digs. Defensively, five players finished in double figures in digs, led by 22 from Emilie Schmid and 16 from Jennifer Emming.

Alma, champions of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association, finished with 12 kills from Kristin Judson to lead the offense. Lindsey Baker was outstanding with 33 assists. And on defense, Kristin Judson led with 24 digs, Kerri Judson added 18 digs and Kelsee Krull finished with 16 digs. The Scots concluded their season with a 31-6 overall record.