The No. 3-ranked Emory volleyball team captured its second straight and fourth University Athletic Association championship in the past six years this afternoon as it recorded a 3-1 triumph over No. 1-ranked Washington University in the title match. Emory boosted its overall record to 31-4 following a 25-22, 26-24, 22-25, 25-16 win over the Bears who slipped to 31-3.  Serving as the host of the conference championships was Case Western Reserve University.

With the win, Emory earns the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament that starts next weekend.  Head coach Jenny McDowell and her Eagles will find out who they will meet in the opening rounds of the national tourney, as well as when and where that will take place on Monday morning.

Senior Amelia McCall led Emory with 20 kills and 18 digs, her 15^th double-double of the season.  Junior Jessica McAlvany recorded 15 terminations and sophomore Breanah Bourque rounded out the trio of double-figure performers in that category with a dozen put-aways.  Freshmen Molly Landers and Sarah Taub played a key defensive role in the win with 17 and 12 digs, respectively, and junior setter Natalie Schonefeld doled out a season-high tying 57 assists.

NOTES—Emory’s wins over No. 23 Chicago and No. 1 Washington University on Saturday boosts the team’s record to 8-2 against teams that have been ranked in the AVCA Coaches’ Poll this year … The Eagles also show a 14-2 won-lost slate against squads that are regionally ranked … Today’s win over the Bears marks the Eagles’ second win over a No.1-ranked team this season, with Emory also notching a 3-1 win over then No. 1 Juniata on Oct. 22.