The Best of the 2017 NCAA National Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Championship

By: Keeley McIntyre: Feb 4, 2018

 

December 16, 2017 teams from the best colleges battled for the title of the champions of the 37th NCAA Women’s Volleyball Championship. Nebraska came out on top after the semi-final match against Penn State, while Florida stole the title from the defending champions, Stanford University.

Nebraska stepped onto the court holding the #5 seed, familiar with the championships after winning the title just 2 years earlier in 2015. Recently adding a freshman standout, Mikaela Foecke, an excellent offensive addition to the Cornhuskers. Foecke bringing an overall of nineteen kills to Penn State. Lining up: Allie Havers, Briana Holman, Lauren Stivrins as Middle blockers, Libero Kenzie Maloney, Outside hitters Mikaela Foecke and Annika Albrecht, Sydney Thompson and Hayley Densberger as Defensive specialists, Setter Kelly Hunter, and Opposite Jazz Sweet.

The Florida Gators began the final match being National Champions led by Mary Wise their coach of 27 years. Wise having the possibility of being the first ever female coach and first ever SEC school to win the National Championships. There was a lot at stake for the Gators, however their team having major potential in 2017. Starting with: Chanelle Hargreaves DS, Caroline Knop as Libero, Outside hitters Carli Snyder, Paige Hammons, and Mia Sokolowski, Setter Allie Monserez, Middle blockers Rhamat Alhassan and Rachael Kramer, and lastly Shainah Joseph as Opposite. Standout Rachael Kramer stands 7’2 and a monster Middle blocker. Rhamat Alhassan, Ghana immigrant and team leader.

Nebraska is known to be the best serving teams in the country racking up most of their points against the Gators from serving alone. Following with an outstanding serve receive game as well. Nebraska made an outstanding play three points into the game receiving a touch off of Kelly Hunter with two scrappy touches over the net by Libero and DS. Kenzie Maloney is nicknamed the “digging machine” of Nebraska with excellent stats in every match. Nebraska took the lead throughout the first set Florida following not far behind. Rhamat Alhassan stood out throughout the game with monster blocks touching over 11’3. Florida Libero Caroline Knop continued to dig throughout the game despite a broken right hand. Additionally Coach Mary Wise runs an interesting rotation system, a 5-2 but both setters play all around and are on the floor the whole time.

The two teams battled each set, Nebraska led defensively while Florida led offensively. Points going back and forth, Cornhuskers digging everything and the Gators blocking everything. Few players standing out and carrying their teams. Both competitive teams with endless potential battling until the very end, however Nebraska led 3-1 (best of five). Nebraska Cornhuskers taking the title 2017 National champions after the ruthless and competitive game against the Gators. Four time champions holding their title in the next 2018 season.