Louisville, K.Y.- No. 22 Dowling Volleyball made history today as they became the first DII East Region Volleyball team in the history of the NCAA to advance to the National Semifinals by defeating Clarion University, 3-0 (25-17, 25-18, 25-15), in the Quarterfinals. Patrycja Klekotka had a match high 9 kills off .412 hitting while adding 4 aces and 3 digs to lead the Golden Lions to victory.
After reaching the NCAA Quarterfinals four previous times but falling in each of their matches, the fifth time was the charm, as they played with an intensity seen all season. Two other Golden Lions came up big in the match, with Janae Giles tallying 8 kills and Maja Potpara smashing 7 with 18 assists, 9 digs, and 3 aces.
Clarion, who hit .113 in the match, was led by Corrine Manley's 8 kills. Kellie Bartman chipped in with 6 kills and 4 digs.
Dowling, at 31-1 on the season, next faces top ranked and three-time defending national champion Concordia University, St. Paul. Concordia defeated Cal. State, San Bernadino, 3-0, earlier in the day to advance to the Final Four. The Golden Bears own a 31-4 record and will face Dowling at 3:00 PM this Friday.
-Provided by Dowling Sports Information department.
