Columbia Volleyball Closes 2011 Season

KINGSPORT, TN. - Columbia College finished their 2011 season today as Union (Ky) defeated The Fighting Koalas in the semi-final match 3-0. Columbia volleyball finished strong coming out in the first round defeating no. 5 Milligan Lady Buffs to advance onto the winners bracket. The win marked the first ever conference tournament win for the volleyball program.

Columbia lost to Union in a 5 set hearbreaker on Thursday and turned around and swept no.2 seed Bryan College Lyons to stay alive in the tournament. After the loss today to Union Columbia finished 25-13 on the year, the most wins yet in the program's history.

Montreat Lady Cavaliers faced Union in the championship and fought hard to win 3-1 to take the AAC Conference Tournament Title.

The AAC All-Tournament Team consisted of Chelsie Blackburn and Taylor Fink of Bryan (Tenn.) as well as Caitlin Brickley and Jennifer Monroe of Columbia (S.C.).

With the victory, Montreat receives an automatic berth to the NAIA National Championship Opening Round. The pairings will be announced Sunday by the NAIA.