BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Berry College volleyball team defeated Birmingham-Southern College in straight sets today, securing the team's third straight Southern Athletic Association (SAA) Tournament Championship and trip to the NCAA Playoffs.

Berry's Carson VanCampen (MVP), Emily Hancock and Jordan Leitch earned All-Tournament recognition. Berry improved to 26-5 overall and will compete in the NCAA Regionals next weekend. The NCAA selection show is tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. where the Vikings will learn their opening round opponent and regional tournament location. 

The Vikings never dropped a set in the SAA tournament this weekend, due in part to the strong play of Laura Beier who broke the single-season digs record in today's match. The trio of seniors were dominant this afternoon as well. Jordan Leitch passed 37 assists to lead the offense to a .252 hitting percentage. Emily Hancock and Carson VanCampen both posted huge numbers. Hancock had 15 kills with a .282 hitting percentage and nine digs. VanCampen posted 12 kills, a .417 hitting percentage and four blocks. Peyton Breissinger was targeted often on the back row, earning 22 digs. 

Berry went on a run in the middle of the opening set and were up 17-9 before forcing a pair of BSC timeouts. The Panthers pulled to within four, but an attacking error and a Leitch service ace secured the opening frame. Set two was tied 17-17 before Berry went on an 8-2 run to close it out. The Vikings were in complete control the rest of the way, not allowing the Panthers to break 20 points in any set. 

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