Clearwater Christian College added another national championship to its growing collection Saturday when the Cougars defeated host Lincoln (Ill.) Christian College at the National Christian College Athletic Association Division II championship in Lincoln, Ill. This was the Cougars fifth national championship since 1995, and their first since 2000.
"This one was special because we had four seniors who finished second the last three times they've gone (to the national tournament)," said coach Vickie Grooms Denny, who was named the NCCAA-II national coach of the year. "And it was also interesting because back in 1998 Lincoln beat us on our court to win its first national championship. So we kind of mentioned how it would be nice to beat them on their court."
After going undefeated in pool play, Clearwater Christian (37-6) clinched the championship 15-10 in the fifth game. Seniors Jenny Goodson and Amy Madeiros were named first-team All-Americas. Madeiros was also named the NCCAA-II national player of the year for the third straight season.
Sophomores Laura Marvin and April Lewis were named second-team All-Americans. This was Clearwater Christian's 10th straight national tournament berth. It won titles in 1995, '96, '97 and 2000.
