SCHENECTADY, NY -- Senior omiddle hitter Rachel Ormsby (Charlton, NY) was named the Tournament Most Valuable Player in leading the Union volleyball team to the Interleague Challenge Championship Saturday. The Dutchwomen defeated Potsdam in four games and Ithaca in three games to improve to 29-1 on the year and broke last season's school record of 28 wins. Veronica Mynders (Greenville, NY) joined Ormsby on the all tournament team, and Union now has a 15 match winning streak.
The Dutchwomen opened the day by defeating Potsdam, 20-25, 25-14, 27-25 and 25-13, then closed out the tournament with a sweep over the Bombers, 25-12, 25-21 and 26-24.
The tourney team also included Erica Duncan of Skidmore, Darcy Dolge of Hartwick, Corinna Doctor of Ithaca and Samantha Pickering of Potsdam.
For complete tournament results click here.
In the opening victory over the Bears, Ormsby had 17 digs, 11 kills and five blocks. Jennifer Merinder (Andover, MA) added 36 assists and Mynders recorded a team high 21 digs. Julie LaSpina (Roslyn Heights, NY) had 10 kills and Union got nine kills and five blocks from Erin Schumaker (Saratoga Springs, NY).
Union made it 15 straight victories and broke the single season record for triumphs in the final match of the tournament, against Ithaca. Ormsby had 12 kills and eight digs and Merrinder led the way with 34 assists. Mynders' 19 digs and Schumaker's 12 blocks with six kills helped lead the Dutchwomen while Eve Richards (Schenectady, NY) had nine kills and Bridget Little (Glenville, NY) finished with eight blocks and six kills.
The Dutchwomen will look to crack the AVCA Top 25 poll for the first time in program history, after receiving votes again this past week. Union is idle until Tuesday, October 21, when the Dutchwomen host Sage at the Viniar Athletic Center at 7 p.m. On that night, the teams will be going Passionately Pink for the Cure® to raise funds for the fight against breast cancer. Fans will be asked to wear pink on and make a donation of $5 or more to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the leader of the global breast cancer movement.
