READING, Pa. - Gallaudet University was crowned the 2021 United East Volleyball Champions after defeating SUNY Morrisville in the Final Saturday afternoon. The Bison took the match by a score of 3-1 (25-19, 25-18, 26-28, 25-17), moving their record to 21-11 on the season. Morrisville ends their year with a record of 17-12.

Gallaudet has also earned the NCAA Championship automatic qualifier and will find out who they play when the NCAA does its selection show at 12 p.m. on Monday. You can find a link to that HERE: NCAA SELECTION SHOW

The Bison were dominant across the first two sets, winning by more than six points. In set three, Gallaudet nearly clinched it as they had three different match points, but the Mustangs stayed persistent and were able to steal one from the higher seed. Gallaudet stormed back in the fourth set though, going on a run near the end that was capped by a Karita Lewis ace to clinch the title.

Offense came from the right side of the court as Elina Rubnshteyn led all players with 17 kills. Her performance also helped her earn Most Valuable Player honors at the conclusion of the match.

Rubinshteyn was aided by Emily Wright and Karita Lewis who finished with 12 and 10 kills, respectively. Dishing out the sets was Emma Giuntoli, who finished the day with 43 assists.

Leading the way for Morrisville was Kirsten Florio, who had 14 kills. Defensively, Anna Salamino had a solid performance as she dug 16 balls.

 

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The United East has nine NCAA Division III member institutions which include: Gallaudet University, Lancaster Bible College, Morrisville State, Penn College, Penn State Abington, Penn State Berks, Penn State Harrisburg, St. Mary's College of Maryland and Wells College. The United East also includes three associate members in the sport of men’s golf including Rosemont College, Rutgers University – Camden and Wilson College. The United East has also partnered with the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference in the sports of men's and women's lacrosse and the North Atlantic Conference in men's tennis and women's tennis. For more information, please visit: gounitedeast.com.