W&L Sweeps Past Bridgewater

 ROANOKE, Va. --- The Washington and Lee volleyball team defeated first-seeded Bridgewater, 30-22, 30-19, 30-18, in the finals of the 2007 ODAC Championship to win its seventh-straight conference title on Saturday at Hollins University.

The Generals advanced to the finals after a 30-14, 30-17, 30-25 triumph over sixth-seeded Randolph-Macon in the morning semifinal match.

In the championship match, the Blue and White were led by sophomore outside hitter Rachael Phillips' (Tampa, Fla./Tampa Prep) 16 kills and six digs, while junior outside hitter Laura Maurer (Sparta, N.J./Pope John XXIII) amassed 11 kills and eight digs. Senior right side Jess Hudock (Tampa, Fla./Holy Names) totaled nine kills and 11 digs, while junior Jessica Ulrich (Gettysburg, Pa./Gettysburg) added six kills and nine digs. Sophomore setter Kristi Stevens (Overland Park, Kan./Shawnee Mission South) tallied 20 assists and 12 digs and senior setter Lauren Rudolph (Ft. Wayne, Ind./Concordia Lutheran) notched 19 assists and seven digs.

In the semifinal contest, W&L was paced by Phillips, who amassed 18 kills and 13 digs, while Maurer registered 12 kills and 18 digs. Ulrich racked up seven kills and 11 digs and Hudock tallied seven kills and eight digs. Stevens chipped in 23 assists and 10 digs, while Rudolph added 13 assists.

Phillips was named ODAC MVP, while Hudock and Maurer were named to the ODAC All-Tournament Team.

The Generals (29-5) received the ODAC's automatic bid to the 2007 NCAA Tournament and will find out on Sunday who they will face in the opening round.

All-Tournament Team
Tricia Davis, setter, Bridgewater
Mandy Hill, middle, Bridgewater
Savannah Tinsley, libero, Lynchburg
Katie Warlick, outside, Lynchburg
Jess Hudock, outside, Washington & Lee
Laura Maurer, outside, Washington & Lee
Rachel Phillips, outside, Washington & Lee*

* Most Outstanding Player