Metropolitan State University of Denver wins first NCAA Volleyball Division II National Championship
The Metropolitan State University of Denver Roadrunners are now volleyball national champions for the first time in the history of the program.
In four hard-fought sets, No. 4-ranked MSU upset No. 2-ranked Concordia University, Saint Paul, Golden Bears, who were looking for their 10th national championship, 3-1 in the finals in Sioux Falls on Saturday night.
This is the Roadrunners' 23rd straight win and the team's best season in its history, winning 32 of the team's 35 games. The Roadrunners were efficient on offense with a hitting percentage of .280.
"It's huge, I think it puts us on the map in a lot of ways. So it's just great to see the support we have out here and the way that people are coming behind us," said Head Coach Jenny Glenn. "MSU Denver's a great place, and we love our volleyball. So it's great to have a national championship to go along with all that."
Some fans were concerned when one of the team's star players, Annika Helf, was injured in the quarterfinals and unable to play. But Junior outside hitter Megan Hagar stepped in to lead the team to victory, recording 18 kills, and freshman outside hitter Brooke Gennerman added another 16.
Karyna Werley had 10 kills of her own as well as 25 assists and five block assists. Meanwhile, GabriElle Brewer finished with two service aces and 29 assists.
Hagar made the final kill of the game with an assist from Brewer and, as the whistle blew, the team erupted into cheers.
Although the team has played in the NCAA Tournament for the last 25 years, they had yet to make it beyond the regional finals until tonight. The Roadrunners' win marks the fifth NCAA title for MSU Denver Athletics.
"It's huge, I think it puts us on the map in a lot of ways. So it's just great to see the support we have out here and the way that people are coming behind us," said Head Coach Jenny Glenn. "MSU Denver's a great place, and we love our volleyball. So it's great to have a national championship to go along with all that."
This is Glenn's 10th season; she now holds a 252-53 career record.
A welcome home celebration for the team will be held at the Assembly Athletic Complex at noon on Sunday, Dec. 14.