Wash U downs Juniata for national title

Behind a balanced offensive attack under the direction of freshman setter Marilee Fisher, No. 4 Washington beat No. 1 Juniata in four sets to claim the program’s 10th national championship.

Wash U had four players reach double figures in kills, led by Lauren Budde’s 15. Kristen Thomas and Marya Kaminski had 12 kills apiece and Erin Albers added 10. Fisher, the national leader in assists per set, finished with a match-high 48 helpers. Bears freshman All-American libero Kelly Pang led all players with 30 digs.

The difference to me was passing. Wash U was in-system much more often than Juniata. End of story. Fisher had so many options. Juniata often had to scramble and patch points together. The Eagles never found the rhythm and tempo that marks the usual Juniata machine.

Drew Barnhart led the Eagle attack with 13 kills. No other Juniata player reached double figures.

Wash U scored championship point (25-21) on a Juniata service error.

Wash U also won titles in 1989, 1991-96, 2003 and 2007. Wash U’s 10th title extends its D-III record. Former D-III school UC San Diego won seven championships from 1981-97.

-Ricky Nelson