SHERMAN, Texas - The Trinity University Tigers won their second consecutive SCAC Championship on Saturday afternoon, defeating the Southwestern University Pirates in straight sets. Interactive Bracket | Official Website | Box Score
The Tigers (27-9) and Pirates (26-8) had an unbelievable first set, as both teams went back and forth, going on long rallies. Eventually, Trinity would pick up the victory, 25-23, for the early lead.
Southwestern responded by taking a 6-1 lead in set two, but the Tigers roared back, outscoring Southwestern 24-14 to take a commanding 2-0 lead.
From there, Trinity took control and ended any potential rally the Pirates had in them, taking set three and the championship, 25-20.
Senior Layne Hubbard was named Most Valuable Player for the weekend, the first player in SCAC history to earn back-to-back MVP honors at the postseason tournament. She finished with nine kills and 17 digs and was key in the passing game throughout the championship game. She also hit .321 in the match.
Fellow senior Maggie Emodi was also excellent, leading the team in kills with 16 and adding 21 digs in the process. She also earned a spot on the All-Tournament team.
Joining Emodi was sophomore setter Erika Edrington, who finished with 36 assists in the contest to go with 15 digs. She even had four kills at key points in the match. Edrington was the key part in Trinity hitting .196 as a team for the match.
Bridget Bohman was also key defensively with five blocks in the contest.
For Southwestern, junior Kaitlyn Foster led the way offensively with 14 kills and 12 digs to earn a spot on the All-Tournament team. Joining her was senior Chandler Lentz who finished with 18 digs on the evening. Sydney Rochelle added 19 assists in the contest while Nikki Welch added 11.
Macey Pool had 18 digs defensively while Andie Alford added 16. The two teams combined for 174 digs in the three set match.
For Trinity, it is their 17th SCAC Title and the first time they have won consecutive championships since winning 11 in a row from 1998-2008. All 17 titles have come under current head coach Julie Jenkins.
The Tigers will earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Championship. They will find out their fate on Monday. Meanwhile, Southwestern will look to earn an automatic bid for the 10th straight season.
