DAVIDSON, N.C. - Led by Tournament MVP Paula McConnell, the UNC Wilmington volleyball team recorded 3-1 victories over Canisius (25-14, 22-25, 25-18, 25-14) and Radford (13-25, 25-13, 26-24, 25-18) to claim the championship of the Davidson Wildcat Classic Saturday at Belk Arena. 

The Seahawks improved to 7-4 overall as they claimed their third in-season tournament title in as many seasons. UNCW returns to action Sept. 18 with a 4 p.m. match against Western Carolina in the Myrtle Beach Comfort Suites Invitational in Conway, S.C.

McConnell, a senior middle blocker from Parker, Colo., was one of three Seahawks to garner all-tournament honors as senior libero Ashlyn Morris was named the tournament's best libero and senior outside hitter Lindsey Strucko was an all-tournament team selection.  

 "The girls played with a lot of determination all weekend, even after we dropped a set to both Canisius and Radford during our matches today," said UNCW head coach Amy Bambenek. "I am excited that we were able to win our first tournament together. A lot of people stepped up this weekend and contributed to our success."

Strucko recorded a team-high 16 kills against Canisius to lead three UNCW players in double-figure kills as the Seahawks combined to record a .280 hitting percentage in the opener. Strucko also added 10 digs for her fifth double-double of the season. McConnell and senior outside hitter Anna Price chipped in 12 kills apiece while Price added 10 digs for her first double-double of the campaign. Morris recorded a team-high 18 digs while sophomore setter Kelsey Bendig dished out a career-high 46 assists.

Senior middle hitter Michelle Godfrey posted a team-high 16 kills and a .500 hitting percentage for Canisius. Godfrey was the only Golden Griffin to reach double figures in kills as junior outside hitter Renee Lettow and freshman middle Samantha Good chipped in nine kills each. Freshman libero Allyson Severyn registered a match-high 19 digs while sophomore setter Janelle Davis posted 33 assists.

McConnell and Strucko recorded 10 kills apiece to guide the Seahawks attack against the Highlanders. McConnell posted a match-best .529 hitting percentage as she committed just one error in 17 total attempts. Price added eight kills and 14 digs while junior middle blocker Rachael Caricato added 14 digs and six kills. Morris pitched in 14 digs while Bendig handed out 26 assists.

Senior libero Lauren Clary recorded a team-high 10 kills and added nine digs for Radford. Freshman middle blocker Mariah Nussbaum chipped in eight kills and sophomore defensive specialist Katelyn Meeks recorded a match-high 19 digs. Freshman Desiree Aramburu recorded 26 assists and added eight digs.  

"It was a great weekend for our program," said Bambenek. "We must now prepare for another tough tournament next weekend at Coastal Carolina, but I know that the girls are up to the challenge."

Davidson Wildcat Classic All-Tournament Team

Lauren Clary, Radford
Mariah Nussbaum, Radford
Michelle Godfrey, Canisius
Lindsey Strucko, UNC Wilmington
Sarabeth Peele, Davidson
Ashlyn Morris, UNC Wilmington - Best Libero
Paula McConnell, UNC Wilmington - MVP