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Volleyball Team Wins 16th Regional Championship


The CCC Volleyball Team traveled to Georgia over the weekend to compete for their 16th NCCAA South Region Championship. Seven regional teams participated in this year’s double-elimination tournament hosted by Atlanta Christian College.

Clearwater went undefeated in regional play during the regular season to secure a bye for the first round. During the second round, the Cougars defeated Trinity College of Florida in three games (30-7, 30-17, 30-7) to put Clearwater into the semi-final match. The win was a total team effort with everyone getting in the game and contributing. This victory set the stage for CCC to face off with Southeastern University of Lakeland on Saturday morning.

Although the Cougars defeated the Fire twice during the regular season, Clearwater never takes this rival opponent lightly. SEU is a very solid team, and they are well-coached. Summer Jelsma played tough defense against SEU’s biggest hitter and averaged over 1 blocks per game, along with several touch blocks, while Alyssa Hallice led the offense with 6 kills per game. The Lady Cougars won in three straight sets.

Due to the double-elimination format, by winning this match, CCC secured a spot in the championship game with whoever would win out of the loser’s bracket. Southeastern won the loser’s bracket, and a rematch between the two schools was set for the championship. CCC came out and played one of their best matches of the season, and they soundly defeated the Fire in three straight sets. Clearwater’s offense dominated the match with outstanding set selection by senior setter and captain, Evelyn Compton. Emma Kile and Alyssa Hallice each had over 3.5 kills per game. The CCC defense dominated the match as well with some outstanding back row play by Chrissie Sugimoto, Ashley Lawson, and Ginette Cerrud. The three-game victory (25-11, 25-11, 25-12) made Clearwater the 2008 South Regional Champions.

Clearwater seniors Laura Banks and Summer Jelsma were given an Honorable Mention for the All-Region honors. Evelyn Compton, Chrissie Sugimoto, Emma Kile, and Alyssa Hallice were all named to the First Team All-Region. Alyssa was also named the South Region’s Most Valuable Player, and Chrissie was the region’s Libero of the Year. Coach Denny was also awarded South Region Coach of the Year.

The Lady Cougars finish out their regular season play on Tuesday, November 4 against NAIA opponent, Warner Southern University. The game is at home and starts at 7:00 p.m. The team will then be traveling to Omaha, Nebraska to compete in the NCCAA II national tournament from November 13-15.