BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The 12th ranked Northampton women's volleyball team advanced to the NJCAA East District Championship with a convincing 25-17, 25-14, 25-16 sweep of Atlantic Cape Community College on Tuesday evening at the Arthur L. Scott Center.

Safiya Goodridge (Stroudsburg, PA/Pocono Mt. West) had a team-high 8 kills and added 2 service aces and 6 digs, while Ayana Bomani (Bethlehem, PA/Liberty) contributed 7 kills, 15 digs, and 5 blocks. 

"We weren't quite as sharp as I had hoped for," remarked Head Coach Rachael Caywood, "but I thought we played well in spurts.  The focus now turns to Saturday and preparing for Harrisburg."

The 5th seeded Hawks rallied to defeat #4 Bergen Community College, 3-2, in Paramus, NJ to advance to Saturday's championship match to face the top-ranked Spartans. 

Joy Wetzel (Bath, PA/Bethlehem Catholic) recorded 6 kills and 5 blocks, and Leana Angelone (Coopersburg, PA/Faith Christian Academy) registered 25 assists, 1 ace, 1 kill, and 2 blocks. 

Top-seeded Northampton improves to 14-0, while Atlantic Cape finishes the season at 11-15. 

Northampton has defeated Harrisburg twice this season, winning 3-1 on September 14th in Harrisburg and then downing the Hawks 3-2 in a thrilling 5-set match on October 5th in Bethlehem. 

The Spartans are 13-7 all-tme vs. the Hawks. 

The Spartans will host the NJCAA East District Championship on Saturday October 28th at 1pm.   The winner will advance to the NJCAA National Championship in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, November 9-11.