MOUNT VERNON – Cornell's volleyball program added another chapter to its historic championship run Saturday afternoon with a 29-27, 25-17, 25-21 sweep over No. 2 seed Illinois College in the title match of the Midwest Conference Tournament inside the Small Athletic and Wellness Center.
Kiana Manson's solo block of an outside attack delivered championship point for coach
Jeff Meeker's top-seeded and 25th-ranked Rams, who celebrated their ninth MWC Tournament title since 2012.
The Rams (22-7) earned the MWC's automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament, which begins with regional play Nov. 16-18. The team will learn its destination at noon Monday on the NCAA Selection Show at NCAA.com.
Cornell is headed back to nationals for the 10th time in 13 years. The Rams enter on a late-season surge, having won 13 of their last 14 contests.
The Rams recorded their 30th consecutive victory against MWC competition. This was the third win this season against Illinois College, which retired at 18-13.
The turning point Saturday came during a 29-minute battle in Set 1, which had Illinois College serving for set point at 24-23, 26-25 and 27-26. Kills by
Nia Howard and
Grace Marti, and an errant Lady Blues' attack helped extend the set at 27-27.
MWC Player of the Year
Ilah Perez-Johnson powered home one of her 13 kills that pushed Cornell ahead 28-27. A quick middle spike from
Carly Puffer then pulled the Rams through for the Set 1 win that witnessed 17 ties.
The Rams never trailed in the final two sets. They closed out Set 2 with an 11-3 spurt. They raced ahead 20-11 in the third and staved off a late Illinois College rally.
Manson delivered her best performance of the season with a match-high 15 kills. The junior newcomer hit .353 on 34 swings.
The Rams dominated the service game, connecting for 11 aces while allowing just one. Perez-Johnson whistled four ace serves, while Marti had three.
Clare Green set 33 assists and tied for team-high honors with nine digs. Perez-Johnson also had nine digs, followed by
Kensie Staats and
Ella Becker with eight apiece.
Cornell held a 43-37 advantage in total kills.
