The No. 5 nationally ranked Ferris women’s volleyball team will not advance any further in the NCAA Division II Tournament.
The Bulldogs dropped their Midwest Region Semifinal game to Rockhurst University Hawks (Kansas City, Missouri) 3-2 Friday, Nov. 16. The tournament was short-lived for the Bulldogs, who have made the Region Championship twice in the last five years.
After a 3-2 victory over Ashland University Wednesday, Nov. 14, the Bulldogs were hoping for a strong performance against the Hawks.
Ferris dropped their first set 21-25 before bouncing back for a 25-18 victory in the second and a 25-16 victory in the third. Rockhurst dominated the final two sets, taking a 22-25 victory in the fourth and a 11-15 victory in the fifth.
Overall, the Bulldogs had a strong game, posting 67 kills, 218 attacks and 102 digs, but ultimately came up short on the scoreboard. Ferris sophomore outside hitter Katie O’Connell took the spotlight for her team, leading the team in 21 kills and 65 attacks.
A trio of Ferris junior outside hitters had great performances as well. Allyson Cappel pulled in 21 kills and 64 attacks, Courtney Brewer contributed 12 kills and 42 attacks and Katie Placek led the team with 38 digs.
The Bulldogs’ overall record drops to 27-5 on the year. Although they didn’t advance far into the playoffs, Ferris did manage to go undefeated, with 16-0 in the conference and 15-0 on their home court.
The Bulldogs will lose two seniors to graduation in Placek and outside hitter Kayla Rosman.