09/06/2008
Volleyball Captures Worcester City Championship

Worcester, MA -- Named the Tournament Most Valuable Player, junior Maritza Fair (Bronx, NY) paced Clark University with 12 kills and 19 digs to help the Cougars capture the 2008 Worcester City Championship in a 3-0 win over Assumption College. Clark's victory snapped a five-year run for Assumption, who had laid claim to the trophy's bragging rights since 2002. With the win, the Cougars have captured their first title in seven years and seventh overall championship since the tournament began in 1984.

"I am so proud of the team and their effort," said Coach Mickey Cahoon, now in his second season. "Their intensity and fight was incredible."

Clark was also led by Emily Visone (West Hampstead, NY) who tallied 14 digs while Nichole Lopez (Alameda, CA) added 25 assists. Freshman Kristin McGinty (Gypsum, CO) finished the contest with five kills and three blocks.

In the morning game, Clark dropped the opening sets 23-25 and 23-25, but then rallied to win three straight (25-14, 25-19, 15-6) and the match, 3-2, over host Worcester State.

Fair tallied a match-high 24 kills to go along with five aces. Lopez added 47 assists while freshman Amira Tranchell (Falmouth, MA) notched 11 kills. Visone registered 12 digs while Trancell also finished with three blocks.

"It was two huge wins," Cahoon said. "Clark hadn't won the tournament in some time now. There's no better way to start off the season than to beat Worcester State on their home court, after losing the first two sets, and then to come back and beat Assumption, a Division II school, who's had so much success in the tournament. The whole team played great."

Saylor led the way for the Lancers with 15 kills while Mass tallied 12 digs. Stoddard dished out 22 assists while freshman Kim Holden (S. Attleboro, MA) added three aces.

Clark is off until next weekend when they travel to the Swarthmore College Invitational in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. The Cougars will take on host Swarthmore on Saturday (4 pm), followed by Salisbury University at 6 p.m.

Courtesy of Worcester State Sports Information