Ohio Northern University vs. Chatham College NCAA Division III Great Lakes Regional Quarterfinal

7 p.m. -- Ohio Northern (27-7) def. Chatham (11-14)
3-0 (30-13, 30-8, 30-15)


The Ohio Northern Bears, celebrating their 20th appearance in the NCAA Division III Tournament, cruised through their Great Lakes Regional quarterfinal match Thursday at Wittenberg's HPER Center. Ranked among the top 20 in the nation all season, the Bears ran off 15 of the final 17 points in the first game and never looked back, defeating Chatham College, champions of the Atlantic Women's Collegiate Conference, 30-13, 30-8, 30-15.

This one was never really in doubt, and after a lopsided Game 2, most of Ohio Northern's starters took a spot on the bench to make room for the Bears' younger player to shine. Statistically, Ohio Northern, champions of the Ohio Athletic Conference, fot 11 kills in 21 attempts for a .524 attack percentage from Hannah Kanuckel and 12 kills in 19 attempts for a .579 attack percentage from Jessie Hampson. Both appeared only briefly in the third game. Erika Rook distributed 38 assists and Karlee Kanuckel contributed 22 digs to the Bears' cause.

Chatham, which was making its first appearance in the NCAA tournament, was paced offensively by Chelsea Viti, who had eight kills, and Tara Viti, who added seven kills. Amy Smerick distributed 20 assists and three players finished with 10 digs, both Vitis and Kristen Kramer.