Perrysburg, OH – GRCC’s Volleyball team is competing for the NJCAA Division II National Championship today following yeserday’s 3-2 win over Parkland Community College, 25-27, 20-25, 25-21, 25-17, 16-14.

The Raiders, now 3-0 in tournament play, came back from a 0-2 deficit against Parkland to win the final set 16-14.  Sophomore Kourtney Wolters laid two kills down in the fifth set to take the Raiders from a 13-14 final set score to match point at 15-14.  GRCC’s Amy Vander Wal crushed one inside the 10 foot line to seal the championship game opportunity for GRCC.

Leading the Raiders offensively against Parkland were Nicole Czehowski, Amy Vander Wal and Kourtney Wolters.   Both Vander Wal and Czehowski finished the contest with 16 kills.  Wolters trailed with an equally impressive 15.

As a team GRCC killed 66 balls in that five set battle.  Sophomore setter Kaitlyn Wolters earned 61 assists on the night to keep her team in contention.

While the Raiders offense was clearly firing on all cylanders, the Raiders defense was paramount in last night’s win. Sophomore Libero Karleigh Strazisar stepped up on defense digging up 16 balls to keep the Raiders alive.  Other defensive standouts for GRCC include Kaitlyn Wolters, Nicole Czehowski, Taylor Meyer, and Kourtney Wolters who all recorded double digit digs.

Molly Maynard led the team in blocking with 4 solos.

While last night’s win is certainly worth of celebration—and celebration there was—GRCC now must face the #1 team in DII as they take on the defending National Champions, Cowley County CC tonight at 6:30PM.

Cowley County’s Tigers bring to the championship match a 38-0 record in 2012.  Over the course of the tournament they’ve defeated NE Oklahoma A&M (3-0), Kansas City (3-1) and Owens Community College (3-1).

The Tiger’s offense is led by sophomore right side, Martyna Gluchowicz and freshman outside, Jessica McDougald.  Gluchowicz leads her team thus far with 393 kills while McDougald trails with an equally impressive 347.

The Raiders aren’t strangers to excellent players either.  Head Coach Chip Will believes his team has the talent to compete for this championship.

Said Will, “Every player on our team has contributed to where we are today, and we’re going to rely on each of them to help us though the match.  We’ve trained for months for this opportunity, and we intend to make the most it.”

Any questions about the Raiders ability to perform under pressure were likely answered following yesterday’s win over Parkland CC.

With roughly six hours to go until they’re back on the court with an opportunity to bring GRCC their first ever volleyball National Championship—and first ever National Championship in women’s sport—fans can rest assured knowing that they’re prepared.

According to Coach Will, “We perform well in high pressure situations, and I think we’ve proven that this year.  When we get down, we don’t give up.  When we’re up, we finish.  Whether we’re down 0-2, up 2-0, or anything in between, there isn’t a team I would rather be here with.  This team is ready to play.”

Tonight’s NJCAA Division II Volleyball National Championship game can be viewed online at ihigh.com.  Check back at www.grccraiders.com and our facebook and twitter pages for updates as the game progresses.