Volleyball Coasts to the Elite Eight

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – With a .376 total hitting percentage, the Lock Haven University Volleyball team (28-3) continued their dominance in tournament play as they pressed on to the NCAA Elite Eight tournament tonight, beating California University (Pa.) (28-7) in straight sets (30-17, 30-21, 30-22).  Sophomore Li Yizhi (Shangai, China) led the Haven in double figures with 16 kills, hitting .481.

Four other Lady Eagles acquired higher than a .375 hitting percentage, including junior Allison Wade (Duncansville, Pa./Hollidaysburg Area), who assisted the team with 15 kills, hitting .375.  Senior Lilian Bortoto (Sao Paulo, Brazil/Campus Salles) hit .417 with six kills on the night.  Junior Michelle Deehan (Upper Marlboro, Md./Gwynn Park) garnered a .389 hitting percentage with eight kills and seven digs, while junior Jen Thompson (N. Ridgeville, Ohio/Elyria Catholic) came on board with four kills, hitting .444. 

Junior Kelly Kostelich (Venetia, Pa./Peters Township) ran the offense with 37 assists and four digs.  Senior Kristi Kauffman (York, Pa./Central York) walked away with nine digs, while Yizhi and Wade both chipped in with six digs a piece.  Deehan, Yizhi, and Wade were all announced to the all-region team at the conclusion of the game. 

The NCAA Division II Atlantic Region champion Lock Haven will look to improve on their already remarkable season when they take the court on Dec. 2 at a location to be determined for the Elite Eight round.