For Immediate Release April 21, 2007

Contact: Ryan Maurer E-Mail: rmaurer@wittenberg.edu

GRANVILLE, Ohio - The three-time defending NCAA Division III Great Lakes Region champion Wittenberg Tigers traveled to Denison University to compete in a daylong spring tournament on April 21. The Red and White is in the rare position of returning its entire starting lineup from a second straight scintillating Final Four run in 2006.

"Playing at Denison was great because it allowed us to enter two full teams into the tournament and get everyone lots of competitive reps," said Head Coach Paco Labrador. "This was a good lead up for us to see what areas we need to develop before we go overseas and play the Spanish professional teams in May."

The Tigers picked up right where they left off last fall, asserting themselves as a force to be reckoned with. Both Wittenberg teams went undefeated for the day, posting a combined 16-0 day in total games played. In the first match of the day Wittenberg "Red" upended NAIA foe Urbana 30-11, 30-9, while Wittenberg "White" defeated Ohio Athletic Conference opponent Otterbein 30-17, 30-13.

"I moved the middle hitters and the setters back and forth from team to team (Red and White) but the outside hitters and defensive players pretty much stayed on the same team all day," Labrador added.

In the day's second round, the Tiger "Red" team looked to avenge last October's regular season loss to the Capital Crusaders while the "White" team squared off with the host Denison Big Red. Wittenberg "Red" posted a convincing 30-10, 30-18 win over Capital. "White" was put to the test but came out on top over Denison 30-26, 30-24.

"The 'White' team was made up of mostly freshmen so I'm excited for the future with this group," Labrador said.

The tournament continued with Wittenberg "Red" meeting an unfamiliar opponent in Case Western Reserve University, while team "White" took their shot at Urbana. Case Western and Urbana both fell to the Tigers by scores of 30-16, 30-17 and 30-16, 30-27, respectively.

"I haven't seen Case play in quite some time," Labrador said. "They played with a lot of heart considering they had many starters out with injuries."

The final match of the day pitted Otterbein against the Tiger "Red" team and last fall's NCAC conference quarterfinalist Ohio Wesleyan against the Tiger "White" team. Both Wittenberg teams put the finishing touches on an outstanding day, besting Otterbein 30-18, 30-12 and Ohio Wesleyan 30-25, 30-26.

"I'm glad to see so many players get game speed reps before we go to Spain," Labrador concluded. "It's clear that the depth of our bench makes us better every day in practice and will be a huge advantage next fall."

The Tigers take flight May 22 for the program's second overseas trip under Labrador. Check back for online updates.

2006 Volleyball Schedule/Results