CEDAR RAPIDS, IA - The Northampton women's volleyball team opened play at the 2025 NJCAA Division III National Tournament with a thrilling 3-1, (25-23, 25-17, 21-25, 30-28), victory over Finger Lakes Community College at the Alliant Energy Powerhouse Arena. 

The Spartans, seeded 8th, jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the best of 5 match before the #9 Lakers stormed back to take the 3rd set, 25-21.

Set 4 was a back-and-forth affair of epic proportion as the two team traded blows before Northampton was able to secure the 30-28 victory and the match. 

"Great team effort, the girls fought for each point and never gave up," commented head coach Rachael Aquila, "this is a big win, but we need to get off our feet for awhile and get ready for Eastfield at 8:30."

Grace Coppola (Allentown, PA/Central Catholic) led the Spartans with 12 kills while Samantha Nagy (Easton, PA/Easton) recorded 39 assists and Gianna Sciarra (Bethlehem, PA/Liberty) had 16 digs.

Region 19 Player of the Year Lexi Womack (Saylorsburg, PA/Pleasant Valley) registered 11 kills and added 14 digs.

The win moves Northampton to 29-1 overall, while Finger Lakes falls to 27-4. 

The Spartans will return to the court at 8:30pm (EST) to face top-seeded, and two-time defending national champion, Dallas College - Eastfield.