Virginia Beach, VA - The CMCC Women's Volleyball team capped off an incredible season by traveling down to Virgina Beach to compete at the USCAA National Championship Tournament.  Of the 29 teams in USCAA DII, only 6 teams received invites to compete in this tournament and this was the first time in program history that the Mustangs received a bid to the tournament. 

Day one of the tournament the Mustangs went up against the number one seed in the tournament, UC Clermont.  The Mustangs struggled with nerves and did not play well in the first two sets, losing badly in each set.  By set three, the nerves had subsided, and the Mustangs were able to play up and up with UC Clermont until they sent on a serving run. The Mustangs battled and fought until the end, but UC Clermont was just too much for CM to handle.  

After a disappointing day one, the Mustangs looked to bounce back on day two against Penn State York.  The game turned out to be a back and forth battle all the way to the end. Penn State York jumped out to an early lead by winning set one by nine points, but the Mustangs bounced right back and won set two by ten points.  The third set was tight until Penn State York put together a serving run, going up 17-8.  After a time out, the Mustangs rallied back and came back and took the set 33-31.  This put the Mustangs up two sets to one going into set four.  In set four Aaliyah Smith came down with an ankle injury and without their best offensive weapon, the Mustangs struggled and dropped set 4.  This tied up the game at two sets each, forcing a fifth set.  The final set went back and forth, with no team being up by more than a couple points the whole way through.  It was tied at 11-11, 12-12, 13-13. and 14-14.  Unfortunately for the Mustangs, Penn State York was able to get back-to-back points and walk away with the win, 16-14.  

As she had all year, Aaliyah Smith lead the team offensively with 23 kills, followed by Tiara Begishe with 10 kills. 

When asked about the experience, Coach Kyle Chapman said, "It was a great opportunity, and I am really grateful for our school giving us the chance to compete.  It was encouraging to see how well they were able to bounce back and fight hard after a rough first day.  It is tough to lose such a close game, but I am incredibly proud of my players because they represented our school and community well."