Elmhurst Clinches NCAA Berth in Volleyball

KENOSHA, Wis. – With a 30-28, 30-27, 25-30, 32-30 win over Carthage on Saturday night in the championship game of the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin Volleyball Tournament, the Elmhurst Bluejays earned the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Carthage, which won the conference title during the regular season with a 7-0 record, still has a chance at earning an at-large bid. The pairings will be announced Sunday, Nov. 6.

Elmhurst and Carthage both shared the conference title a year ago, with the Bluejays advancing to the regional finals of the NCAA Tournament.

Elmhurst’s Carly Bearwald had 18 kills and recorded five blocks in the win over the Lady Reds Saturday. Nicole Carlson had 15 kills and 16 digs, while Katie Ackerman added nine kills and five blocks.

Carthage’s Tiffany Thorsell had 12 kills and hit .407 (12-1-27), while Jenny Lachmann had 11 kills and hit .348 against the Bluejays.

In the semifinal games Friday night, Elmhurst defeated Millikin, 30-27, 30-22, 30-23, while Carthage topped Wheaton 30-19, 30-19, 30-26.

Lindsay Johnson of Elmhurst was named most valuable player, while teammates Nicole Carlson and Jessica Nelson were named to the all-tournament team along with Johnson. Jori Simmons and Thorsell of Carthage, along with Kayla Bohlen of Wheaton and Katie Crumley of Millikin were also named to the all-tournament team.

NCAA Regional Volleyball Rankings (Division III)