BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The 2nd seeded Northampton volleyball team advanced to the Region 19 championship match with a 3-0 (25-15, 25-18, 25-13) victory over 3rd seeded Ocean County College on Wednesday evening at the Arthur L. Scott Center. 

The Spartans, who lost both matches in 5 sets to the Vikings this season, jumped out early and were never really challenged.  "The guys really stepped up tonight," remarked Head Coach Rachael Aquila, "they wanted to get back to the championship match and defend their title."

Luke Smith (Breiningsville, PA/Parkland) had 12 kills, 6 blocks and 5 digs,  while John Nice (Feasterville, PA/Neshaminy) added 8 kills and 8 digs. 

The Spartans, now 14-3 overall, will advance to the Region 19 championship match on Saturday vs. either top-seeded Union County College or #4 Harcum College, who play on Thursday evening.  If Union wins, the championship match will be in Cranford, NJ at the UCNJ campus, while if Harcum pulls the upset, the championship match will be held at the Arthur L. Scott Center. 

Ocean finishes the season with a record of 11-9.