Posted by Press Democrat Staff Writer Michael Coit:
The little known Sonoma State men’s volleyball team hits with the best, winning the collegiate club level Division II national championship.
Winning eight of nine matches at the national tournament in Louisville, the Seawolves took home the program’s first National Collegiate Volleyball Federation title.
In taking the championship, the Seawolves surpassed their expectations.
“What began as 14 guys showing up for practice four times a week and working hard for a common goal, to get back to the national championships, turned into a great accomplishment for everyone,” said Sonoma State coach Mark Dunn. “The team came together for a common goal – one team, one point – and carried that to their first national crown.”
Sonoma State lost just five games during the three day tournament. Still, the Seawolves were seeded 12th in the final bracket of 16 teams. Sonoma State took all four matches on the tournament’s final day, including a 2-1 win over Wisconsin-LaCrosse in the championship game.
Three Seawolves earned all-tournament team recognition. Setter Scott Fontana was named most valuable player. Right side hitter Matthias Buhlis earned first team honors. Libero David Zvlonek was chosen to the second team.
Sonoma State’s success came in part from playing in a tough conference against mostly Division I schools.
Seven of the nine teams in the Northern California Collegiate Volleyball League are Division I schools, including UC Berkeley, winner of the regular season conference title. Sonoma State finished fifth.
But the Seawolves served notice they would be a postseason factor, playing their best volleyball when it counted. Sonoma State took third in the conference tournament, hosted by Stanford.
Then the Seawolves pounded their way through the Division II field at the national tournament.
