Grand Rapids, Mich. — There is something unmistakably special about the 2025 Aquinas Women's Volleyball team. For the second consecutive year, the Saints have earned their way to Sioux City and into the final 24 of the NAIA "Battle for the Red Banner," doing so with equal parts experience, commitment, and high-powered execution. Their four-set triumph over Lindsey Wilson last Saturday extended a historic run of dominance — back-to-back undefeated WHAC regular seasons, back-to-back WHAC Tournament championships, and a remarkable conference winning streak dating to 2023. Two years ago, the Saints fell in the NAIA Opening Round. Last year, they broke through and reached Sioux City for the first time since the field expanded. Now, they return as a more seasoned, complete, and confident team, stepping once again onto the national stage with the belief that their best volleyball is still in front of them.
46th ANNUAL VOLLEYBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP • December 3–9, 2025
Tyson Events Center • Sioux City, Iowa
POOL B
2. Northwestern (Iowa)
15. Aquinas (Mich.)
23. Lewis-Clark State (Idaho)
POOL B SCHEDULE (CT)
December 3 – Court 1
• 4:30 p.m. – No. 2 Northwestern vs. No. 23 Lewis-Clark State
December 4 – Court 1
• 4:30 p.m. – No. 23 Lewis-Clark State vs. No. 15 Aquinas
December 5 – Court 2
• 3:30 p.m. – No. 2 Northwestern vs. No. 15 Aquinas
HOW THE #15 AQUINAS SAINTS (33–5, 20–0 WHAC) EARNED THE TRIP TO SIOUX CITY
Aquinas' journey to Sioux City has been defined by consistency, resilience, and steady growth from August to November. The Saints opened their season with a demanding non-conference schedule loaded with perennial NAIA powers, ranked opponents, and five-set thrillers that tested their chemistry and competitive toughness immediately. Early wins over Bryan, Rio Grande, Fisk, Grace, and Indiana East were balanced by valuable learning moments against Bethel, CIU, Cumberland, and IU Kokomo — each match shaping the team's identity and refinement.
Once conference play arrived, the Saints found their stride and never wavered. Aquinas rolled to a perfect 20–0 WHAC campaign, sweeping 15 opponents while grinding out two gritty five-set battles with Cornerstone and Lawrence Tech, while needing four sets to defeat Defiance (twice), and Indiana Tech. Their defensive structure, serving pressure, and depth across all positions overwhelmed league opponents from start to finish.
The WHAC Tournament reinforced their dominance, as the Saints swept Siena Heights, Rochester Christian, and Cornerstone in straight sets to secure their second straight conference tournament title. In the NAIA Opening Round, Aquinas delivered a composed and authoritative performance against Lindsey Wilson, winning 3–1 in front of a charged Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center crowd. The win sent AQ back to Sioux City, but more importantly, showcased the maturity, momentum, and belief this team carries into the national stage. With a 33–5 overall record, one of the best statistical profiles in the NAIA, and a roster built for championship volleyball, the Saints enter Pool B as a dangerous and confident contender.
AQ KEY PLAYERS & SEASON IMPACT
Few teams in the NAIA boast the balance and depth of this Aquinas roster. From elite attackers to all-conference defenders and a dynamic setting duo, the Saints bring a lineup capable of winning through power, precision, and patience.
The offensive attack is anchored by senior standouts Lauren Chioini and junior Cece Pelak, who have combined for over 920 kills this season. Chioini has been one of the nation's most efficient and feared hitters, posting 460 kills on a .358 hitting percentage while adding 129 blocks to her all-around impact. Pelak has matched her with 464 kills, leading the team in total points and delivering clutch swings late in sets throughout the season.
In the middle, Nevaeh Bakker has emerged as a dominant force with 292 kills and 134 blocks, hitting .345 and controlling the center of the net with poise. Kate Schneider and Michelle Domey have provided reliable and productive rotation support, contributing more than 165 combined kills along with a strong blocking presence.
The setting unit has been one of Aquinas' greatest strengths in 2025. Freshman phenom Natalie West has distributed the offense with exceptional touch and intelligence, producing 108 assists per match pace, along with 238 digs and 90 blocks — numbers that demonstrate both her versatility and her impact on both sides of the ball. Veteran setter Taylor Reha was a factor early in the season, with 378 assists, while West was able to learn the system. When together at the net, West and Bakker are a freshman tandem that will be a dominating force for the foreseeable future.
The back row is commanded by graduate libero Bella Hommes, who has been sensational with 663 digs — over 5.1 per set — while maintaining elite passing numbers and providing a steady emotional anchor. Julia Schweihofer and Kami Morse have added over 260 combined digs while excelling in serve-receive, keeping the Saints in system and allowing their offense to score efficiently.
The supporting cast rounds out a true championship roster. Right side hitters Mel Beachnau, Jayla Martin, Sophie Munch, and Jeralyn Hoppes have added more than 235 kills collectively, giving Aquinas multiple scoring options on every rotation. Jenna Lee's contributions on defense and timely offense, as well as defensive specialist Sarah Curtis' play, add depth and reliability across the board.
With 1,881 kills, 2,157 digs, 311 blocks, and 285 aces as a team, the Saints enter Sioux City as a complete and dangerous unit built for a long tournament run.
ABOUT THE OTHER MEMBERS OF POOL B
#23 Lewis-Clark State (Idaho) Warriors (16–9, 12–8 Cascade Conference)
Lewis-Clark State arrives at the NAIA National Championship experiencing a renaissance moment for its program. This marks the Warriors' first trip to the national stage in 14 years and their inaugural appearance as members of the ultra-competitive Cascade Collegiate Conference. Third-year head coach Katie (Hinrichs) Palmer — herself a former LC State standout who led the Warriors to four straight national tournaments as a player — has guided this roster back into national relevance with a blend of experience, defensive toughness, and high-level offensive firepower.
LCSC earned an at-large bid by surviving one of the toughest schedules in the NAIA. The CCC sent a record seven teams to Sioux City, and the Warriors finished tied for fourth after facing nationally ranked opponents nearly every weekend. They opened the season with a 9–0 run that included wins over then-No. 11 Montana Western and No. 19 Southern Oregon, establishing early momentum that helped propel them into postseason contention.
In the Opening Round, LC State rekindled a decades-old match-up with Taylor (Ind.), marking their first tournament meeting since 1999. Coach Palmer described the moment as a tribute to the persistence and work ethic of her student-athletes — a group that has battled through adversity and embraced the program's return to the national spotlight.
Offensively, the Warriors rely heavily on outside hitter Juliauna Forgach Aguilar, a three-time First-Team All-CCC performer who ranks among the top attackers in the nation at 4.22 kills per set. She also adds 64 blocks and averages 4.63 points per set. Libero Ella Stosich leads the defense with 4.49 digs per set and 30 aces, while setter Teagan Scott distributes 8.65 assists per set, adding 44 kills and 37 blocks to her multidimensional game.
The front line is fortified by middle blocker Karissa Lindner, one of the premier net defenders in the NAIA with 1.28 blocks per set. She pairs with middle Abby Beaton and outside hitter Taylor Boyce, giving the Warriors multiple legitimate offensive threats. Their "Bomb Squad" defensive group — Stosich, Makenzie Stout, Hannah Dotson, Kadence Moore, and Ashlyn Watt — accounts for over two-thirds of the team's digs and more than 80% of their service aces.
This is a gritty, experienced, and defensive-minded team that thrives in long rallies and high-pressure moments. AQ cannot look past them — they are built to make this pool interesting.
#2 Northwestern (Iowa) Red Raiders (29–3, 16–0 GPAC)
Northwestern enters Sioux City as one of the clear national title favorites, carrying a 17-match winning streak, an undefeated GPAC record, and the momentum of three straight GPAC Tournament Championships. They have won 50 consecutive GPAC matches — postseason included — and continue to operate as one of the most consistent, dominant forces in college volleyball.
The Red Raiders' attack centers around GPAC Player of the Year Stella Winterfeld, a dynamic outside hitter with 328 kills at 4.32 per set. She is complemented by GPAC Defender of the Year Zavyr Metzger, whose 207 blocks and 1.95 blocks per set rank among the best in the country. Together, they form arguably the most complete offensive-defensive duo in the NAIA.
Middle blocker Maddy Sampson adds additional firepower with a .364 hitting percentage, leading a Raider front line that hits .253 as a team and forces opponents into constant offensive discomfort. Setter tandem Liv Reitsma (602 assists) and Nyah Potthoff (523 assists) engineer one of the nation's most balanced offenses, while libero Tierney Huss provides 338 digs of stability in the back row. Sidney Oostra and Rylie Franken add over 250 kills combined, rounding out an offense that can score from every rotation.
Under veteran head coach Kyle Van Den Bosch, Northwestern has reached nine straight national tournaments and made a national title appearance in 2023. Their experience in high-pressure environments and their ability to execute with precision make them one of the most challenging opponents in the entire championship field.
HOW TO WATCH
All matches of the NAIA Women's Volleyball National Championship final site will stream FREE on the NAIA Channel of the Urban Edge Network and the NAIA Network. Aquinas fans who want to experience the tournament together will also have the opportunity to join watch parties inside the Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center, hosted by the Aquinas Assistant AD – Director of Athletic Communications. Full details on the event will be released by Tuesday afternoon.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Pool B may be demanding, but Aquinas arrives with a battle-tested roster, championship experience, and the type of depth needed to thrive against elite competition. Head Coach Ryan Campbell expressed unwavering belief in his group, saying:
"This team has earned every step of the journey. We've grown through adversity, embraced every challenge, and built a level of trust that shows up in the biggest moments. We respect the teams in our pool, but we also know that when we're connected and committed, we can compete with anybody in the nation."
Two years ago, the Saints were a first-round casualty. Last year, they broke through and reached Sioux City. This year, they come armed with expectations — and the talent to meet them.
Whether this run ends with the program's first-ever appearance in the national quarterfinals or with something even more historic, 2025 has already shown why Aquinas Volleyball continues to rise on the national stage.
And no matter what happens in Sioux City, it remains true:
Every day is a great day to be a Saint.
