Harper advances to nationals

The Harper College women's volleyball team took a big step toward what it hopes will be another banner season under coach Bob Vilsoet.

The Hawks (43-13) advanced to the NJCAA Division III national tournament for the fourth time in Vilsoet's seven years in charge with a 25-17, 25-23, 20-25, 25-21 win over Rock Valley (38-8) on Saturday in the Region IV title match at College of Lake County.

"We're obviously ectstatic," said Vilsoet, whose teams were fourth in 2002 and 2005 and fifth in 2006. "I felt like we controlled our own destiny in the games we won.

"In Game 4 we didn't make the same mistakes again. We just played very strong and very consistent."

Christy Lima (13 kills) and setter Nikki Maize (37 assists) were named to the all-tourney team. Anie Fitzpatrick had 17 kills and the defense of Megan Maize (21 digs), Kate Paulson (17 digs) and Diane Janik (13 digs) helped the Hawks avenge last year's regional-final loss to Rock Valley.

Harper will find out early next week where it's seeded and who it plays in next weekend's eight-team national tourney in Rochester, Minn. Vilsoet hopes to become the first women's athletic team in Harper history to win a national title.

"I don't think anybody on this team is ready for the season to end," Vilsoet said. "They're having too much fun with each other.

"Our goal has been a national championship since the beginning of the year. I truly think this group of girls has a shot at doing that."

NJCAA cross country: The Harper men took seventh in the NJCAA Division III national meet in Rhode Island as Sagar Patel was 10th (28:33) and Chris Hoffman was 28th (29:17) in the 8K race.

Harper's Irene Villadares finished third in the women's race.