BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Trailing 14-11 in the deciding 5th set, the Northampton women's volleyball team ran off 5 straight points to capture the 8th Region 19 championship in program history, with a dramatic 16-14 victory over Raritan Valley Community College at the Arthur L. Scott Center on Saturday afternoon.

The thrilling 5-set match went back and forth, with 2nd seeded Northampton taking the first set 25-23, only to have 3rd seeded RVCC win set two 28-26 and set three 26-24.  The Spartans responded with a 25-13 victory in a must-win set four, setting the stage for the unbelievable 5 point comeback in set five to capture the title.

"I am speechless," remarked Head Coach Rachael Caywood, "the team fought so hard all day, they never gave up, and those last 5 points with our backs against the wall just emphasized that."

All-Region selection Jordan Appleton (Langhorne, PA/Notre Dame Green Pond) totaled 23 kills, 22 digs, 2 aces and 2 blocks, while Region 19 Player of the Year Ayana Bomani (Bethlehem, PA/Liberty) recorded 12 kills, 26 digs and 8 solo blocks. 

Theresa Crimi (Nazareth, PA/Notre Dame Green Pond) registered 38 digs, including the biggest one of her career with the Spartans trailing 14-11, to keep the season alive.  

Alexandra Bosco (Hellertown, PA/Saucon Valley), who earned All-Region accolades earlier this week. notched 43 assists, 21 digs, 4 service aces and 3 solo blocks. 

Bomani was named Tournament MVP, while Caywood earned Coach of the Year Honors. 

The win is the 18th consecutive for Northampton, which improves to 18-1 on the season. 

Raritan Valley, which was ranked 10th in the lastest NJCAA poll, finishes 28-5. 

The Spartans will now compete in the NJCAA Division III National Championship in Rochester, Minnesota November 10-12, 2022. 

Region 19 Championships (8)
2022
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012