More than 100 students, family members, coaches and friends welcomed the Tigers back to campus a day after they defeated Christopher Newport University 25-21, 25-21, 28-26 to claim the school’s first national title in any sport since 1977.
In his ninth season, Labrador accomplished the goal he set when he took over the program in 2003.
“During the hiring process, it was brought up quite a bit,” Labrador said. “This was a nationally-ranked team with a championship goal. They were looking for someone who would want to continue that goal. I’m glad I could do it.”
From their first trip to the national semifinals in 2005 to the last point of Sunday’s championship match, it was never easy. The Tigers trailed 24-20 in the third game when they rallied one last time to make history.
“I was pretty sure if we didn’t win that Game 3, we would have had a hard time getting through Game 4,” Labrador said, “and the way volleyball is, Game 5 is anybody’s game.”
On the court, so close to victory, the players settled down and took charge in the match’s tensest moment.
“I don’t think there was ever any doubt we were going to win,” said Dyer, who was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.
The final kill belonged to Christine Simpson, and then a chaotic celebration began.
“I grabbed (Katie) Sumner, and I tripped over Christina (Gilene), and we all fell down,” Dyer said. “I looked up, and Halle’s (Donathan) face was right in front of me. It was crazy. It was so much fun. We were so happy. Everyone was crying — pure tears of joy.”
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