Scots’ Magical Season Ends In NCAC Tourney Semis

Carolyn Ciriegio

As the old saying goes, “all good things must come to an end,” and it held true for The College of Wooster’s volleyball team as its most successful season in over two decades was finally put to rest in the semifinals of the North Coast Athletic Conference Tournament on Friday evening. The No. 4 Fighting Scots fell in three games to top-seed Hiram College 30-24, 30-19, 30-24, to end the 2005 campaign with an overall record of 25-7.

Wooster had trouble getting its offense on track in front of the rowdy crowd inside Price Gymnasium, committing 19 hitting and four service errors, while the Terriers played consistent and steady, jumping out to early leads in each game and preventing any thoughts of a Scot comeback.

Sophomore outside hitter Carolyn Ciriegio was a bright spot for Wooster as she connected on a team-best 17 kills to go with 14 digs and two block assists. Sarah Marschall and Tiffany Rice contributed nine and eight kills, respectively, while Marschall also led the way defensively with four total blocks.

In the back row, freshman libero Ali Drushal paced the team with 15 digs, while Heather Wolff tallied 11 and passed out 40 assists.

Hiram (28-3) moves on to the championship final where they will meet Wittenberg University on Saturday at 2 p.m. The Tigers swept Denison University 30-16, 30-18, 30-26 in Friday’s other semifinal to put themselves in contention for their ninth straight tourney title.