Match Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Calvin College
Hashtags: #TigerUp #WittWVB
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The student-athletes who comprise the six-player senior class for Wittenberg University women's volleyball were in their recruitment process four years ago when the Tigers won the first NCAA Division III Tournament championship in program history. Heading into the 2015 national championship match against Cal Lutheran at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at Calvin College, Tiger fans everywhere hope that history repeats itself.
Like the senior-laden 2011 squad, the latest edition of the Tigers is led by its most veteran players. But also like that team, several young players are making key contributions, including freshmen in the critical setter spot both years. It is a mix that Head Coach Paco Labrador, owner of a stunning career record of 406-61 in 12 years at Wittenberg, has worked to perfection before, and he hopes the Tigers can reach the pinnacle again in 2015.
After wins over Bluffton, Heidelberg, third-ranked Juniata, 18th-ranked Clarkson and Hendrix over the last two weeks, the only team standing in the way of Wittenberg and its second women's volleyball national title is ninth-ranked Cal Lutheran. The Tigers, ranked sixth in the final American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) poll, head into the match sporting a 29-2 overall record.
NCAA Division III Women's Volleyball Tournament Semifinal Match Video Re-Cap
Tiger fans across the globe have been following the team's exploits in the 2015 NCAA Division III Tournament, and the viewing parties will continue for the championship match, including one in Founders Pub in the basement of the Benham-Pence Student Center. Members of the campus community are encouraged to join the fun in Founders, which has been packed each of the last two nights during wins over Clarkson and Hendrix.
For the members of the university community not on campus, anyone around the world can tune in to the match. The direct link to the live video stream is available here: http://www.ncaa.com/championship/liveplayer/player?gameId=1512566&date=2015/11/21.
Many other fans are on their way to Grand Rapids, Mich., to attend the big match in person. A fan bus left Wittenberg at noon on Saturday.
If you are taking to social media to send your encouragement, be sure to use the hashtags #TigerUp and #WittWVB and Wittenberg's official accounts will re-tweet and re-post on Instagram as many posts as possible.
The team will be welcomed back to campus – win or lose in the national title match – at the HPER Center on Sunday afternoon. The time of the celebration will be determined on Sunday after the bus begins the six-hour trip back to Springfield.
Written By: Ryan Maurer