GREENVILLE, Ill. - After finishing first in the regular season for the fifteenth time in the past sixteen years, the women's volleyball team earned the right to host the SLIAC Volleyball Tournament. With a 3-0 sweep over Webster in the semi finals and a gritty 3-2 championship victory over Westminster, the Panthers claimed their tenth tournament title, repeating for the third consecutive year. 

How it Happened:

In the championship game, the Panthers fought in a thrilling five-set battle at H.J. Long Gymnasium. Greenville edged Westminster 3–2 on Saturday night, securing a statement win in front of a loud home crowd of 340. The victory pushed Greenville to 24-10 and gave them an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. 

Westminster opened strong, outlasting Greenville 30–28 in a back-and-forth first set featuring 12 ties and three lead changes. But the Panthers responded with poise, taking sets 2 and 3 by scores of 25–19 and 25–21 behind improved offensive rhythm and steady serve-receive.

Greenville's attack was fueled by Elaina Evers, who hammered down 23 kills, and Abby Grohmann, who added 15 kills and 15 digs.

Setter Emma Ratermann guided the offense with 44 assists, while middle blocker Mia deJesus anchored the net with three solo blocks and nine block assists.

Westminster forced a decisive fifth set with a dominant 25–16 win in the fourth. The finale was a nail-biter, but Greenville held firm, closing out an 18–16 victory with clutch defense and timely swings, finished by a massive block from deJesus.

The Panthers' resilience and depth proved decisive, earning them a hard-fought championship win.

Evers and Grohmann earned a spot on the All-Tournament team, and deJesus rightfully claimed the MVP spot. 

Up Next:

The Panthers head to the NCAA Tournament for the ninth time in program history, facing Wis.-Oshkosh on the Titans' home court.