Published November 1, 2009 in The Joplin Globe

Lahm, OCC advance to national tournament

Ozark Christian College is going back to the women’s national volleyball tournament for the second straight year.

The host Ambassadors (33-5) defeated Hillsdale Baptist of Oklahoma City 25-11, 25-9, 25-23 Saturday in the final of the National Christian College Athletic Association Division II Southwest Regional. The win moves OCC into the 10-team national tourney Nov. 13-14 at Kissimmee, Fla.

“Our play in this regional shows we are peaking at the right time and we hope to keep that momentum going into the nationals,” said OCC assistant coach Tim Hedger.

Hillsdale, earlier Saturday, defeated Southwestern Christian from Bethany, Okla., 25-13, 25-15, 25-23 to reach the final in the three-team regional.

Reilly Allmoslecher, who led OCC in the championship match with eight kills and 13 assists, was named the most valuable player of the tournament. Other Ambassadors selected for tournament first team honors were Chrissy Lahm and Brittany Owen. Lahm had six kills, five digs and three service aces, while Owen had eight kills, nine digs and two solo blocks in the championship match. OCC’s Melea Cook was selected honorable mention.

Lahm is a graduate of Carl Junction High School.

The Ambassadors finished ninth in the national tourney last year.