ROCHESTER -- Ridgewater College is looking to garner the school's third national volleyball title on Saturday, one of eight teams competing in the NJCAA Division III tournament today and Saturday.
This is the fourth straight national trip in as many years for Ridgewater coach Joe Sussenguth, who won a national title in his first year as coach in 2006 and finished second each of the past two seasons. Previous coach Val Swanson took the team to six other national trips, winning in 2002 and placing second in 1988.
"With our history and experience, some would consider us one of the favorites," said Sussenguth. "However, Brookhaven will be strong, as will Madison Area Tech. There isn't anyone in the tournament that can be overlooked because history shows in this tournament that your seed can become insignificant very quickly."
Ridgewater (34-4) opens the tournament against Butler County Community College (Pa.) at 11 a.m. today.
"This team has been tested in both its conference and non-conference schedule," Sussenguth said. "So we will be prepared for whatever the competition brings us. I like our chances, but know that we'll have to make a superior effort."
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Leading the way for Ridgewater is Emily Roelike with 285 kills. Stephanie Tillman has 242 kills, Brianna Jacobson 225, Macy McKay 203 and Karie Blommel 190.
Jacobson had a severe ankle sprain in the regional final Oct. 31 against Rochester, but is expected to play in the nationals.
"Brianna has been working tremendously hard on her recovery over the past week and a half," said Sussenguth. "She's made great progress. There's no doubt she'll fight through whatever pain she has to (in order to) play."
Maggie Zirk and Alison Mason have been preparing to play in case Jacobson is unable to play.
"They will be able to give us great contributions if (Jacobson) can't go," Sussenguth mentioned.
Sophomore setter Darcie Listul has 893 assists this season. Brandi Bodin, the team's libero, has 323 digs and Roelike has 284. At the net, Jacobson leads with 53 ace blocks and Tillman has 45. And at the service stripe, Listul leads with 54 aces.
Ridgewater won the MCAC Southern Division, the MCAC state title and, most recently, the Region 13A crown.
"We have a number of talented hitters who regularly contribute," said Sussenguth. "If someone is having an off match, others can fill that gap. Defensively, we find ways to keep plays alive and will make any effort required to get a dig. From the first day, this group has made a significant effort to adopt the team-first concept and it has definitely contributed to our success."
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And now that team-first group is looking to become team three as far as winning national crown.
