Dallas-Eastfield wins second volleyball national championship in school history
Cedar Rapids, IA - Dallas-Eastfield (TX) defeats Century (MN) in straight sets to win the 2023 NJCAA DIII Volleyball Championship at Alliant Energy Powerhouse Arena in Cedar Rapids, IA. This is the Harvester Bees second championship and first since 2017.
Dallas-Eastfield entered the national tournament as the No. 1 ranked team in the country and boasting an undefeated record. By winning the championship, they are the first NJCAA Division III program to finish the season undefeated and win the national championship.
Eastfield claims first title since 2017
The Harvester Bees had been one of the best teams in the nation for the majority of the 2023 season. They only dropped 6 sets in the entire season and finished with a perfect 35-0 record.
The Bees came out swinging in the first set, earning a 1-0 lead by taking it home 25-19. The second set was where this team's brilliance buzzed through, as they jumped out to an early lead. A 25-11 set, gave them some cushion to the scrappy Wood Ducks, who played a strong third set.
The score late in the third set was 21-21, and Tasmine Maxwell rose to the occasion earning two consecutive kills on powerful spikes. Ava Cole delivered a service ace that would ice the game and the national championship.
Century earns its best finish in school history
The Wood Ducks finished 2022 as No. 4 in the nation and had an impressive run in the national tournament. This season Century was on a mission to finish what they started.
An impressive run to the national championship for the No. 3 overall seed, where they did not lose a single set prior to the national title game.
The Wood Ducks runner-up finish was the best finish in school history, and one NJCAA Division III Volleyball fans will not forget. Sophomore setter Gabi Schwirtz and sophomore OP Jamie Ihfe were named to the All-Tournament Team.
In the championship game, Kiyomi Callahan led the way with 10 kills. Ihfe finished the match with 9 kills and 7 digs. Schwirtz had a game-high 30 assists for the Wood Ducks.
Alexandria Tech completes magical season with third-place finish
In the program's second season of existence, the Legends put together made of legends.
Seeded as the No. 12 team, Alexandria Tech faced undefeated Fulton-Montgomery (NY) in the first round. Kendall Buerman collected a team-leading 15 kills to give the Legends its first win in the national tournament.
Alexandria Tech then squared off with the 5-seed Monroe Bronx (NY) whom the Legends defeated in straight sets. The Cinderella run was put to an end by top-ranked Dallas-Eastfield, who won the match 3-1. Alexandria Tech was one of six programs to win a set against the Harvester Bees this season.
In the third-place game, the Legends defeated perennial power Owens 3-1. Freshman outside hitter Kendall Buerman was named to the All-Tournament Team.