Opponents Set For UM At Nationals

KANSAS CITY, Mo-- The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics released the pool play assignments for the 2009 NAIA Volleyball National Championship Sunday.

The University of Mobile is in Pool B with No. 2 California Baptist, No. 11 Vanguard and Taylor. There are six pools with four teams in each. The top two teams from each pool advance to a single elimination bracket starting Dec. 4. The championship match will take place Dec. 5 at 8 pm. All matches will take place at the Tyson Events Center/Gateway Arena in Sioux City, Iowa.

Mobile will play California Baptist Dec. 1 at 1 pm, Vanguard Dec. 2 at 3:15 pm and Taylor Dec. 3 at 1 pm.

California Baptist is making its 13 National Championship appearance and has raked up 45 wins at nationals with 2 NAIA National Championships. The Lancers are 26-5 on the season and received an at-large bid to the tournament.

Vanguard is 17-12 on the season and is making its second appearance at nationals. They received an at-large bid. Vanguard and Cal Baptist were two of 11 teams that received byes and did not have to play an opening round match.

Taylor University boasts a 34-5 mark and won the Mid-Central College Conference to advance to nationals. They are making their 5th appearance at the National Championship. They defeated Indiana East 3-0 (25-17, 25-14, 25-19) in the NAIA National Championship Opening Round.

The Lady Rams are 25-11 and making their third consecutive appearance at the NAIA National Championship. Mobile beat SCAD 3-1 in a NAIA National Championship Opening Round Match to advance.