Bowling Green State University Athletics
Volleyball Season Comes to an End
November 27, 2006 | Volleyball
Nov. 27, 2006
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - The Bowling Green State University volleyball team did not receive an at-large bid into the 2006 NCAA Volleyball Tournament on Sunday, despite a 26-6 overall record. Ohio was awarded the Mid-American Conference's automatic bid by defeating the Falcons in the MAC Championship, leaving Bowling Green's post season fate up to the selection committee. Four of the Falcons six losses came against teams that qualified for the NCAA tournament (three losses to Ohio, one to Notre Dame).
"I'm disappointed we didn't get into the NCAA tournament because I think we are good enough to be there," said Head Coach Denise Van De Walle. "I knew the chances were slim based on how things have gone in the past for the MAC. But we all were hopeful that this would be the year things changed. Not getting in doesn't take anything away from the season we just had. I am really proud of what we all did this year. We accomplished some pretty special things. 26-6 is a great year. This season will go down for me as one of the best I've had for many, many reasons. It will be one that I can tell a really good story about to teams in the future."
BGSU posted a 13-3 conference record, good for second best in the MAC. The Falcons kicked off the season by capturing three weekend tournament crowns. Most impressive was the Falcons school-record 17 consecutive match winning streak that lasted from Sept. 9 through Oct. 21. Senior Chrissy Gothke leaves after being named First Team All-MAC and compiling two MAC East Player of the Week awards during the regular season. Junior Stephanie Swiger also captured two MAC East Player of the Week awards.
Despite the graduation of Gothke, the Brown and Orange are expected to be strong next year as well with four returning players also receiving All-MAC honors. Swiger and Sophomore Kendra Halm were First Team All-MAC while Junior Madeline Means earned Second Team honors. Freshman Corey Domek was named to the All-Freshman squad.
