Reivers Win Second National Title in Program History

WEST PLAINS, MO - Iowa Western claimed the 2020-21 NJCAA Division I Volleyball Championship title at the West Plains Civic Center, on Saturday, April 17.  The Reivers topped No. 3 Snow (UT) in a four-set battle by the scores of 25-15, 20-25, 25-20, 25-19.  Iowa Western posted 63 kills and 13 blocks over four sets, while adding 69 digs and eight service aces.  Iremnur Elmas and Maike Bertens led the way offensively with 15 kills each and sophomore Libero Leah Palensky posted her season high of 25 digs.

The win marks the second NJCAA Division I Volleyball Championship title in school history for the Reivers.  Head coach Alicia Williams helped Iowa Western capture the program's first national title as a player in 2006.

The Reivers entered the national tournament as the No. 5 seed with a 22-3 record and finished the season 26-3 overall.  En route to the championship match, Iowa Western swept all of their opponents: No. 12 Wallace State-Hanceville, No. 4 Utah State Eastern and No. 1 Miami Dade.  The victory over Utah State Eastern earned Coach Williams her 300th victory of her coaching career, she also took home the tournaments Heidi Cartisser Coach of the Tournament Award.

Along with the team title, Freshman Setter Yadhira Anchante was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament and Freshman Iremnur Elmas and Maike Bertens were named to the All-Tournament Team.