Amaya, Ayden and their Cardinals vs Texas
It's the NCAA Division I Women's Volleyball Championship tomorrow. And once again, this area will make a significant impact.
Division I is down to two volleyball teams with two area ladies ready to affect the result. Amaya Tillman (Shawnee Heights) and Ayden Bartlett (Leavenworth) will be on the court when the No. 4 ranked Louisville Cardinals take on the No. 1 ranked Texas Longhorns. The National Championship is on the line. They will meet in Omaha on Saturday at 7:00 CST. It will be broadcast on ESPN2.
Amaya, a 6’3” MB has made a big impact on her team for four years. This year she is averaging 1.48 blocks per set which ranks her 9th in the nation. Look for No. 25. Ayden is a setter who has played in 31 of Louisville’s 33 matches. Look for No. 2. You will see them on ESPN2 on Saturday at 7:00.
Having two ladies from our area in the national championship game is special. But, there is also that sense of deja vu. This is the 7th consecutive year that ladies from our area have competed in the biggest match of the NCAA Division I year.
Here are the eight women who have reached that pinnacle:
2022
Louisville
Amaya Tillman-Shawnee Heights
Ayden Bartlett-Leavenworth
2021
Runner-up Nebraska
Callie Schwarzenbach-Kearney
2020
National Champion Kentucky
Madison Lilley-Blue Valley West
2019
National Champion Stanford
Jenna Gray-St. James Academy
Audrianna Fitzmorris - St. James Academy
2018
National Champion Stanford
Jenna Gray-St. James Academy
Audrianna Fitzmorris - St. James Academy
Runner-up Nebraska
Callie Schwarzenbach - Kearney
Jazz Sweet - Shawnee Heights
2017
National Champion Nebraska
Jazz Sweet - Shawnee Heights
2016
National Champion Stanford
Jenna Gray-St. James Academy
Audrianna Fitzmorris - St. James Academy
Runner-up Texas
Orie Agbaji - Oak Park
Yes, that is eight women from this area competing for the national championship over seven consecutive years. And volleyball is a small roster sport. The coasts should fly over with caution.