Joseph helps lead So. Idaho to national title

Tribune-Herald

Top-seeded College of Southern Idaho cruised to a 25-20, 25-21, 25-20 sweep of No. 2 seed Western Nebraska to win its 10th National Junior College Athletic Association Division I volleyball national championship on Saturday.

The Southern Idaho defense held Western Nebraska to a .095 hitting percentage. Ashia Joseph, a 2011 Waiakea graduate, was the starting setter for the Golden Eagles, who got off to a rocky start, losing their opening set to No. 16 seed Faulkner State CC (Ala.). CSI rebounded to take the first round match 21-25, 25-22, 25-16, 25-19.

The Golden Eagles settled in during their second match, pummeling No. 8 seed Hillsborough CC (Fla.) in a 25-16, 25-11, 25-20. Facing No. 4 seed San Jacinto-Central (Texas) in the semifinals, Southern Idaho pulled out a 25-23, 27-25, 14-25, 25-20 win.

It’s the Golden Eagles first national championship since 2009. College of Southern Idaho has established itself as the premier volleyball program in the NJCAA, claiming more championships than any other school. Miami Dade College (Fla.) ranks second with eight national titles.

The Golden Eagles boast a 33-1 record following this championship season. Southern Idaho’s only defeat in 2012 came at the hands of Western Nebraska on Aug. 31. The Golden Eagles won their last 29 matches on their way to the title.