November 15, 2025
Cedar Rapids, IA - Women's Volleyball got their first taste of competing on the national level las week as they traveled to Cedar Rapids Iowa for the NJCAA Division III Women's Vollyball National Tournament.  After winning the Region 15 and North Atlantic District A Championships on November 1st, the team punched their tickets to the big show for the first time in school history in the sport of Women's Volleyball.  It was only the 4th trip to the National Championship for any team sport in school history, joining women's basketball from 1983, 2010 and 2013.  

The team entered the tournament on Thursday as the #14 seed, drawing a first round match-up versus #3 Butler County Community College from Oak Hills, PA.  To start play, it was clear that the team had to shake off some early game nerves, playing for the first time in the expansive Alliant Engergy Power House Arena.  The 9,000 seat venue was perfect for playing and viewing volleyball and the lights were certainly bright.  Butler worked quickly and the Vikings were unable to to respond early, losing the first game 10-25.  As the match wore on the team settled in, improving slightly in game two but losing 15-25.  The 3rd set was their best as they hung in but lost 18-25.  The game was much more competitive but it was too little too late.  

Playing on the consolation bracket on Friday, The Vikings drew #11 Caldwell Tech, who narrowly lost to perennial power house #6 DuPage in 5 games in their first round match up.  The Vikings, featuring a whole new look and approach came out swinging, jumping out to a 7-0 game one lead.  They played lose and effective and much more competitive.  But the strength of Caldwell showed up soon after as they rallied back to win 25-14.  The Vikings then put up their best effort of the tournament, matching point for point with Caldwell for much of the game.  In the end, they were unable to keep up and fell 19-25 and ultimately they lost the match in 3 sets.  Caldwell went on to a 3-1 record and ended up winning the consolation bracket outright.  

Though the team was unable to advance any further, history had already been made.  Though their dream season comes to an end, the team has accomplished so much more than they even understood as they continued to break records.  They've made their mark on the team, the program and have laid a foundation for future success.  The bar now rises and Westchester Volleyball is now a place where students should look to have similar success in the future.

The team finishes the year with an astounding 22-5 record.  They took home 3 titles wining the Mid Hudson Conference, Region 15 and District Championships.  Sophomore Ziacera Sexton was the Region 15 Tournament MVP and Head Coach Phil Toscano was the Region 15 and North Atlantic Coach of the Year.  More than enough to make history several times over again.