PHOTOS

BOONE, N.C.- Top-seeded College of Charleston defeated seventh-seeded UNC Greensboro 3-1 in the championship match of the Southern Conference Volleyball Championship at the Holmes Convocation Center on the campus of Appalachian State on Sunday afternoon.

 

Strong defense at the net from middle blockers Tiffany Blum and Annie Uthe helped College of Charleston take game one 30-24 as they combined for five total blocks.  The Spartans were held to a -.034 hitting percentage as the Cougar defense recorded 24 digs.

 

College of Charleston went up two sets to none behind the play of Freshman of the Year Emily Sawin and outside hitter Deanna Patrick as they led the Cougars offense with four kills in game two. 

 

The Spartans took an early 5-0 lead in game three before Charleston rallied off six straight points to take its first lead at 6-5.  The Cougars were in control most of the match but UNCG once again came from behind to take the set 30-27. 

 

College of Charleston regrouped after its game three loss and opened set four with a 17-5 lead. The Spartans tried to swing the momentum back to their side but the smart and experienced play of the Cougars kept the lead on the Charleston side.  The Cougars held off another UNCG late run to take game four 30-21 and the match.

 

Leading the Cougars was Sawin and Uthe with 14 kills each with Deanna Patrick finishing with 12.  Libero Marie Dobrenz notched 26 digs to anchor the Cougar defense while Blum notched eight total blocks.

 

The Spartans were paced by Branagan Fuller with 16 kills followed by Kaitlyn Nortz with 12.  Lisa Fawell dished out 47 assists to lead the Spartan offense.

 

The win marks College of Charleston’s third consecutive Southern Conference Volleyball Championship title and the Cougars will represent the Southern Conference in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

 

2006 All-Tournament Team

Dianna Thomas, Appalachian State

Lara Newberry, Chattanooga

Theresa Hart, UNCG

Kaitlyn Nortz, UNCG

Tiffany  Blum, College of Charleston

Marie Dobrenz, College of Charleston

Deanna Patrick, College of Charleston

 

Most Outstanding Player

Tiffany Blum, College of Charleston