SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - The Wittenberg University Tigers, ranked No. 2 in the nation and winners of the last seven North Coast Athletic Conference Tournament titles, swept through the 2004 championship game with a convincing 3-0 victory over fourth-seeded Denison Friday in the HPER Center. The Tigers will face the winner of the second semifinal between second-seeded Hiram, last year's runner-up, and the College of Wooster, the third seed.

The Tigers started slowly in all three games but finished with a flourish each time, especially in the third game. Wittenberg won 10 of the last 13 points in Game 3 to cement the victory. Senior outside hitter Monica McDonald was outstanding, knocking down 18 kills in 39 attempts for a sparkling .359 attack percentage. Also reaching double digits offensively were junior middle hitter Emily Dixon and senior middle hitter Kristin Fox with 10 kills each. Senior setter Sarah Yuskewich distributed 43 assists and seven kills.

Defensively, the Tigers, who improved to 32-2 overall with the win after sweeping all eight NCAC regular season matches in 24 straight games, were paced by senior libero Emilie Schmid with 38 digs, freshman outside hitter Emily Bell with 18 digs and McDonald with 16 digs. Dixon topped the Tigers with four total blocks, including three solos.

Denison didn't have any players in double figures in kills, although Ellen Price did finish with nine. Jenny Gresla had 20 assists and 11 digs. Julie Stowers finished with six total blocks and Price added five total blocks, with four each coming in the assisted column.