The UCLA Bruins women’s volleyball team defeated the Illinois Fighting Illioni to capture the 2011 NCAA title. Spectators at the Alamodome were treated to an extremely competitive contest as there was not much separating the teams in terms of skill, preparation and determination. The first set indicated of the parity of the two teams. With twelve ties and five lead changes, it was an unmitigated dog fight. UCLA eventually prevailed 25-23.
In the second set, the Bruins appeared to have the advantage – taking an 8-3 lead. Illinois responded by cutting the lead 10-8 and in the process scored four consecutive points. UCLA countered by taking a commanding 20-13 lead. In a contest this close, it was unlikely that Illinois would score twelve points before UCLA scored five. The Fighting Illioni held true to their name and scored twelve points to the Bruins three – winning the set 25-23.
Illinois continued to build impetus in the third set and held a 12-8 edge but six unanswered points by UCLA put the Bruins ahead 14-12. The Illioni came back to tie the score 17-17 and take a 23-21 lead. Not to be outdone the Bruins showed their resilience by winning the set 26-24.
With a 2-1 set advantage, UCLA stepped up their game to ensure that the fourth set would be the last. The Bruins were never behind or tied in the deciding set. UCLA extended a 7-2 lead to eleven points. The Illioni reduced the deficit to nine at 24-15. With eight match points in the bank, UCLA was not to be denied. The Bruins won the set and their fourth NCAA championship 25-16.
Despite the UCLA dominance in the fourth set, the statistics were fairly even. UCLA posted a better hitting percentage .than Illinois .333 to .250. Both teams had double-digit kill leaders – Michelle Bartsch (22) and Colleen Ward (17) of Illinois ; Rachel Kidder (20) and Tabi Love (14) of UCLA. UCLA held a slight edge in team kills 64-59. UCLA held a clear advantage in team digs 87-76 but the other statistics were very close.
Statistics and individual honors are just trivia in a team sport. The most important fact is that the UCLA Bruins are the 2011 NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Champions.
