(Editor’s Note: Rocky Mountain College Athletics Press Release)
SIOUX CITY, Iowa — Rocky Mountain College’s volleyball team finished their season with a loss to No. 10 ranked Southern Oregon in bracket play of the 2018 NAIA Women’s Volleyball National Championship.
Rocky jumped out to a 20-15 lead in the first set, but was unable to fend off a Raiders team that found momentum down the stretch.
The second set was a different story. Daniella Russell pushed the Battlin’ Bears ahead with six early kills and Rocky was able hang on to tie the match at a set apiece.
It looked like a resurgent Rocky had recovered and would win the third set before a six point Raider run ended the set in Southern Oregon’s favor.
The Raiders would hang onto that momentum to win the fourth set 25-17.
Daniella Russell hammered 17 kills to lead the Battlin’ Bears on the day. Olivia L’Ami knocked down 11 kills.
Hailey Copinga, the AVCA NAIA Player of the Year for the Northwest Region, contributed 13 kills and 16 digs. Natalie Hilderman provided 44 assists.
The No. 9 ranked Battlin’ Bears ended their season with an overall record of 30-6 and having swept 20 opponents on the season.
This is first time since 2014 that Rocky has advanced to the NAIA Women’s Volleyball National Championship.
