LAKE WALES, Fla. - In the first semifinal game of the 2014 National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) South Region Tournament, North Greenville University (S.C.) defeated Warner University 3-2 (31-29, 14-25, 31-29, 21-25, 15-10). The Lady Royals' season comes to an end with a 10-15 overall record. The Crusaders advance to the South Region championship game with a 19-13 record.
After dropping the first set 31-29, the Lady Royals roared back and even the match at 1-1 behind a 25-14 win in the second set. As a team the Lady Royals posted a .450 hitting percentage.
Marisa Moralobo had four kills giving her seven through two sets.
In the third set, the two sides slugged it out for 18 tie scores and eight lead changes. The Crusaders held a 24-21 lead looking to go ahead 2-1 in the match. However, four straight points by the Lady Royals gave them a 25-24 lead and chance to go ahead 2-1. Following four additional tie scores, the Crusaders recorded back to back points win the set 31-29.
The Lady Royals rallied to force a fifth set with a 25-21 fourth set victory. Moralobo added five kills to her match total giving her 19 kills through four sets.
In the fifth and deciding set, the Crusaders never trailed and the Lady Royals' offense had just three kills ending the match 3-2 in favor of North Greenville.
Marisa Moralobo finished the game with a season-high 21 kills and 26 digs. She also had five service aces to lead all players.
Adrienne Czaplewski was second on the team with 15 kills. She also tallied 15 digs.
Tiffani Pate recorded 11 kills in the loss as well.
Heather Lockwood had 21 digs at libero for the Lady Royals. As a team the Lady Royals finished with 12 total blocks.
April Climer recorded six block assists, Pate had five block assists and
Ivelisse Saint-Clair had four block assists.
In the other semifinal game, Southern Wesleyan University (S.C.) defeated Emmanuel College (Ga.) 3-0 (25-14, 25-13, 25-15). Saturday's championship final will be between Southern Wesleyan and North Greenville at 9 a.m. in the Turner Athletic Center. The winner will advance to the 2014 NCCAA Volleyball D-I National Championship tournament Dec. 4-6 in Kissimmee, Fla.