College volleyball: Lady Blue Jays exit Division III tourney

CHICAGO - The Westminster College Lady Blue Jays volleyball team's first appearance in the NCAA Division III national tournament in 21 years was brief.

Westminster's season came to an end after the Lady Blue Jays were swept by the second-ranked University of Chicago Lady Maroons 25-18, 25-13 and 25-17 in first-round regional play Friday night.

Westminster - which last played in the national tournament in 1998 - finished with a 19-9 record.

"For a first experience for (the players), it was tough to handle when you play a great team like Chicago, definitely a strong team," Lady Blue Jays head coach Natalia Koryzna said. "We played well, but Chicago was just a better team."

Freshman outside hitter Eryka Wanyonyi topped Westminster with eight kills and senior outside hitter Ashley Kistaitis added seven. Sophomore defensive specialist Erica Schrader paced the Lady Blue Jays with nine digs, Kistaitis had eight and Wanyonyi contributed seven.

Senior setter Teresa Becker provided 25 assists and seven digs for Westminster.

"I couldn't be more happy with the girls and how they performed all season and worked hard," Koryzna said. "They really trust in the culture and the system.

"We definitely want to take some time to enjoy and celebrate (the season), but then we'll get back to work to get stronger and get better."

Madison Pearson guided Chicago (27-3) with eight kills. Katherine Wilson logged 20 digs for the Lady Maroons and Emma Griffith supplied 28 assists.

Chicago advanced to face Otterbein (26-6) in the second round late Saturday afternoon.