The #1 ranked and #1 seeded Thunder volleyball team competed in their first matches of the NCCAA Division II Volleyball National Tournament on Wednesday as they would play Ozark Christian College and Faith Baptist Bible College. The Ambassadors are the #8 seed in the tournament and the tournament host. The Thunder would sweep the Ambassadors in their first match of the tournament (25-8, 25-14, 25-14). Senior, middle hitter, Jacey Schurle would lead the Thunder with 12 kills and a 0.526 attack percentage, while sophomore, outside hitter, Ellie Wilson would have nine kills. Seniors, Hannah Beukelman and Hali Clark would each have six on an error free hitting afternoon. Jaiden Brewer and Siena Alexander would each have five service aces to contribute to the scoring. On Wednesday evening, the Thunder would battle with the #5 seed Eagles of Faith Baptist Bible College. This match would go much of the same as the Thunder would sweep the Eagles (25-21, 25-17, 25-18) for their 19th sweep of the season. Wilson would have a double-double with 15 kills and 15 digs, while Beukelman would have nine kills. Sophomore, setter, Ellie Suber would total 68 assists in the two matches.

On Thursday afternoon, the Thunder would face off with Bob Jones University. The Thunder would win the first two sets before the Bruins would take the third in a tight set. A dominate effort in the fourth set by the Thunder would close out the match (27-25, 25-14, 25-27, 25-19) to advance the Final Four. Schurle and Wilson would each have 16 kills, while Wilson would have another double-double with 16 digs to go along with her strong night on offense. Senior, outside hitter, Liv Lubbers would also notch a double-double with 13 kills and 16 digs. Suber also had a double-double with 51 assists and 12 digs. The Thunder's defense would also have 18 total blocks (two solo, 16 assists) on the night. With the three victories, the Thunder now have 30 wins on the season and clinch a spot in the Final Four for the fifth straight year.

The Thunder will now await their semifinal opponent as their will be tie-breaker sets played tomorrow morning at 9:30AM and 10:45AM. The Thunder will play at 3:00PM on Friday, November 21st against a to be determined opponent.

How to Follow the Thunder: For complete information and to stay up-to-date with Manhattan Christian College Volleyball, visit www.mccthunder.com and follow the team's social media pages on X and Instagram.