Hawks fall in Region XX final

November 07, 1999|By JACK HILL III

The Hagerstown Community College Hawks volleyball team had won five straight Region XX Volleyball Tournament championships and nine tournament titles in the past 10 years.

But Hagerstown could not add another title on Sunday afternoon as the Catonsville Cardinals dethroned the Hawks by sweeping them 15-3, 15-6, 15-8 in the championship match at the HCC athletic complex.

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Catonsville (29-11-1) will now advance to the NJCAA Division II Volleyball Tournament.

"I would have to say that the togetherness on our team was the key to our victory against Hagerstown," Catonsville coach Jerry Hulla said. "At Catonsville, we try to foster a family environment."

Catonsville's 6-foot sophomore middle hitter Beth Lister came through with 13 kills and six blocks in the match against Hagerstown, and was chosen the All-Tournament MVP. Lister was voted as an All-American nominee. Lister was also chosen to the First Team for both the Maryland JUCO Conference and Region XX.

"Beth Lister played one year at UMBC four years ago," Hulla added. "Even though she is here at Catonsville for only one year, she has done a lot in this one year."

Katie Baker and Erica McCann represented Hagerstown on the All-Tournament Team. Baker was selected as an All-American nominee. Kelli Martin and Baker were voted to the First Team for both Maryland JUCO Conference and Region XX. Rachel Bachtell was selected Honorable Mention for both Maryland JUCO Conference and Region XX.

Earlier Sunday, Hagerstown (34-9) swept Allegany 15-9, 15-4, 15-8, while Catonsville swept Beaver 15-8, 15-0, 15-9 in the semifinals.

Baker collected 18 kills, 14 service points and 11 digs, while Bachtell added 18 digs, 12 service points and six kills. Jennifer Johnson had 10 service points and seven digs, while McCann added 14 kills and four blocks. Martin tallied 17 service points, while Lindsey Miller had 11 kills and 10 blocks.

"We played the best volleyball that we have played all season this weekend," Hagerstown coach Marlys Palmer said. "To go 34-9 with eight freshmen and only two sophomores is phenomenal. We had a great year and we will be back."

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