Dec. 3, 2006
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Top-seed National American University (S.D.) defeated second-seed Fresno Pacific University (Calif.), 3-1 (31-33, 30-25, 33-31, 30-22), to win the 27th Annual NAIA Volleyball National Championship. The four-game match was only the fourth time all season National American had been taken four games. The championship tournament was played at the Southwell Complex on the campus of Columbia College in Columbia, Mo.
The Firebirds of Fresno Pacific struck first in the championship match, putting pressure on the Mavericks after winning game one 33-31. The Mavericks responded by winning game two and three by close scores of 30-25 and 33-31, and then pulled away to win game four 30-22 to capture the national title.
National American was led by Juliane Viera's 55 assists, Leslie DeSilva's 26 kills and Daniela Oliveira's 14 digs. Shu Liu of Fresno Pacific posted 49 assists, Ke Ke Wang had 21 kills, and Brittany Pierce tallied 10 digs in the loss.
Fresno Pacific ends its season with a record of 36-2.
All-Tournament Team
Elizabeth Castillo, Dickinson State University, OH, Jr
Erin Cherrington, Albertson College, S, Sr
Renee Faimon, Hastings College, L, Sr
Raquel Ferreira, Concordia University, Opp, Jr
Jenna Friedrich, Concordia University, S, So
Lindsey Hill, College of Saint Mary, MH, Sr
Fabiana Leomil, Fresno Pacific University, OH, Jr
Shu Liu, Fresno Pacific University, S, So
Ana Mercado, Missouri Baptist University, OH, Sr
Daniela Oliveira, National American University, Opp, So
Caitlin Parker, California Baptist University, S, Jr
Rael Rotich, Columbia College, OH, So
Juliana Viera, National American University, S, Fr
Verania Willis, California Baptist University, OH, Jr
Tachikara National Tournament Most Valuable Player
Leslie DaSilva, National American University, OH, Jr
National Tournament Coach of the Year
Todd Lowery, National American University
National Tournament Champions of Character Award
College of Saint Mary
