UC Clermont Cougars Reach USCAA Elite Eight; Bow to Southern Virginia

The UC Clermont volleyball team’s sixth consecutive trip to the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) national championship tournament resulted in another visit to the “Elite Eight.”  The Cougars then lost in the quarterfinal round to Southern Virginia University.

The Division II Clermont Cougars went 2-2 in preliminary pool play on November 10 and 11.  They defeated both Division II schools in their pool while losing to both of the Division I programs.  (USCAA D-II schools must play in the D-I bracket for national championship purposes.)  This result left the Cougars third in their five team Pool B and allowed the squad to advance to the quarterfinals against the second place team from Pool A.

The quarterfinal round saw the Cougars face Southern Virginia University – a traditional D-I power.  Clermont fought hard in the first two sets and even held the lead late in set two.  Southern Virginia’s firepower, however, proved to be just a bit too much as they were able to overcome the Cougars in straight sets.

“Even though we didn't make it to the championship game, these kids should be very proud of everything they accomplished this season,” said Head Coach Joe Harpring.  "It was truly an exceptional year."

Two UC Clermont players were honored during the USCAA tournament banquet at the Kentucky Derby Museum.  Junior middle hitter Rachel Hays (Amelia) became just the fourth Cougar to be named a First Team All-American.  Hays rated near the top of USCAA national statistics in both hitting percentage and blocks.  Sophomore middle hitter Emily Rogers-Fightmaster (Seven Hills) was honored for her work both in the classroom and on the volleyball court.  She was named to the USCAA All-Academic team – an award given to those players who maintain at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average.

“We are all very pleased with the honors these players received,” said Harpring.  "They are a reflection of the outstanding young people we have in this program."

The Cougars ended their exceptional season with an overall 24-6 record – the best winning percentage (.800) in the recent history of the program and the second-most wins ever.  They also captured both the Ohio Collegiate Athletic Conference (OCAC) regular season and tournament titles.  The regular season championship represents the eighth consecutive conference crown for UC Clermont.