ITHACA, NY -- Junior setter Jennifer Merinder (Andover, MA) was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player and sophomore right side player Bridget Little (Glenville, NY) was also named to the All-Tournament Team as Union College won the 2008 Bomber Invitational at Ithaca College Saturday. It is the first time that Union has won this tournament, and the Dutchwomen are now 8-0 on the season.

Union's match vs. New York University went five games, with Union winning 15-11 in the final game. The Dutchwomen won by scores of 20-25, 25-15, 26-24, 23-25 and 15-11. The Dutchwomen won the title by defeating Widener in four games (19-25, 25-16, 25-23 and 25-21).

Union opened Saturday's action with a grueling and impressive over New York University, which came into the match with a 5-1 mark. Senior outside hitter Julie LaSpina (Roslyn Heights, NY) continued her impressive weekend with 13 kills, while junior setter Jennifer Merinder (Andover, MA) had 33 assists and five blocks. Rachel Ormsby (Charlton, NY) finished with 10 blocks and nine killls, Veronica Mynders (Greenville, NY) recorded 27digs and Erika VanValkenburg (Baldwinsville, NY) had 22 digs with five kills. Erin Schumaker (Saratoga Springs, NY) finished with seven blocks and five kills.

In the tourney clinching victory over Widener, Merinder had 51 assists, while Ormsby had 16 kills and five blocks. Little had 14 kills and three blocks while LaSpina added 11 kills. VanValkenburg contibuted to the win with 10 kills and 11 digs and Mynders posted 33 digs. Schumaker made seven blocks along with six kills.

Union opens the home season next weekend, with the Union Invitational. For the full schedule, click here. Matches will be played at the Memorial Fieldhouse and at the Viniar Athletic Center Friday and Saturday.

Bomber Invitational Webpage