Club volleyball team records best-ever finish at Nationals

The tournament, which began Thursday and ran through Saturday, featured 48 of the top clubs in the country. UA lost in the quarterfinals to the eventual champion, Graceland (Iowa) College, 15-5, 15-6.

This was an improvement from last year, when the team was eliminated in the Sweet Sixteen.

"We're pretty happy that we finished better," UA middle blocker Nick Thompson said. "We beat Florida, who knocked us out last year, and losing to the national champion makes us feel a little bit better about ourselves."

Greenburgh added that he is looking forward to more success and recognition in the coming years.

Women's assistant coach Steve Carlat joined the team's coaching staff, which is led by head coach Kellin Lovegren.

Play began Thursday in group stages, where the Wildcats finished first in their pool. They defeated Humboldt State (Calif.) in three games and North Texas in two. While the victory over Humboldt State lacked energy and intensity, the match against North Texas, the South Intercollegiate Volleyball Association champion, was just the opposite.

"That was a big win for us," Greenburgh said. "I was very proud of our guys."

On Friday, the teams were again split into groups called Power Pools. In their first match of the day, the Wildcats faced Michigan, a team they defeated twice during the season. Although UA lost in three sets, the loss turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as the team was given a better draw in the final round.

In their second match, UA defeated Wisconsin-Milwaukee, guaranteeing second place in the pool and a berth into the knock-out round.

In the Sweet Sixteen, the Wildcats edged Florida, who defeated them last year, in three games before falling to Graceland in the Elite Eight.

UA sophomore middle blocker Vince Rooney was named All-Tournament and All-American, with outside hitter Jared Dastrup and Thompson also having strong tournaments.

"Those guys had an outstanding tournament," Greenburgh said. "Jared and Nick also deserved All-Tournament."

The team also fielded setter Scott Hunter, a freshman inexperienced at quarterbacking the team.

"He did very well for a freshman, and came up big when we needed him to," Greenburgh said.

The club hopes to build on this season's success, especially because it loses only two seniors, Dastrup and reserve outside hitter Jeff Pollard. With one of the nation's best recruiting classes coming in next fall, the club could start next season as an early favorite for the national championship.

The Wildcats will also be available to give scholarships, as the they hope to step up to varsity status within the next few years.

"We're trying to get a lot of publicity," Greenburgh said. "We want people to get to know us and come out to some of our matches. Next year, Division I teams like Stanford and UC-Irvine will be playing here."