Virginia Beach, VA- In the 2019 Division I Volleyball Championship, Florida National looked to repeat their success from the 2018 USCAA National Championship. In three well fought sets, the Conquistadors of Florida National prevailed to secure their second consecutive USCAA Division I Volleyball National Championship (25-17, 25-20, 25-22).
Florida National dominated in pool play (4-0), which included winning every single set. University of Maine Fort Kent had a strong showing in the tournament, recording a 2-2 record.
Looking to revenge last years National Championship pool play lost to Florida National, University of Maine Fort Kent made their first National Championship appearance. After getting off to a slow start in the first set and falling to a score of 25-17, the Bengals rallied behind Luse Lumas and Rachel Nance. There two led their team to a strong performance in the second set but fell short by a score of 25-20. In the third set, University of Maine Fort Kent seemed to find their stride by keeping the game within two points for most of the match. The offensive attack from Florida National University proved to be too much as two Conquistadors (Afriana Ammerlaan and Maya Krapf) had double digit kills. Florida National University claimed their second consecutive USCAA National Championship.
With 8 kills, 3 service aces and 7 digs and an overall outstanding performance throughout the tournament, Carolina Arrias Dantas took home the Tournament MVP honors. Joining her on the All-Tournament team from Mid-Atlantic Christian was Mallary Brogden. Prior to the championship game, Brogden lead the tournament in kills (22) and service aces (11). Luse Lumas and Rachel Nance brought home All-Tournament Awards for the University of Maine Fort Kent. Lumas finished the championship game with 9 kills, 5 assists and 6 digs. Meanwhile, Nance finished the championship game with 8 kills and 3 digs. Maya Krapf, Gabriela Hernandez and Ashley Williams from Florida National, were all named to the All-Tournament team. In the championship game, Krapf had 10 kills and 14 digs and Hernandez had 10 digs. Going into the championship game, Williams lead all players in hitting percentage (.519).
For full results from the 2019 USCAA Volleyball National Championship, please visit www.uscaafallchampionships.com
2019 USCAA Division I Volleyball National Championship All-Tournament Team
Luse Lumas– University of Maine Fort Kent
Maya Krapf – Florida National University
Rachel Nance – University of Maine Fort Kent
Gabriela Hernandez – Florida National University
Ashley Williams – Florida National University
Mallary Brogden – Mid-Atlantic Christian
Tournament MVP
Carolina Arria Dantas– Florida National University