CALIFORNIA, PA—MURFREESBORO, N.C.—Chowan University’s volleyball team won its first-ever Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association title and advanced for the first time to the NCAA Division II playoffs.

The Hawks fell in the first round of the playoffs to top-seeded California University-Pennsylvania last week and finished the season with a 29-9 record under Coach Peter Green.

Chowan’s run to the conference championship was capped by a thrilling five-set victory over Fayetteville State University on Nov. 8 in Hampton.

The Hawks prevailed 17-25, 25-19, 21-25, 25-15, 15-11 to earn the conference’s automatic playoff bid.

Antoinette McCollough topped Chowan with a team-high 21 kills.

Karina Monroe was tabbed tournament Most Valuable Player with 15 kills and 8 assisted blocks. Three Chowan players earned All-Tournament honors: Victoria Lewis, Antoinette McCollough and Callie Armistead.

In the first round of the playoffs, Chowan was overpowered by California-Pennsylvania, losing 25-15, 25-15, 25-6.

The Vulcans outhit the Hawks 39-16. Monroe, the CIAA’s Rookie of the Year, was held to five kills, while McCollough and Victoria Lewis each had four kills. Armistead had 15 assists.

This is Chowan’s first year as a full-fledged member of the CIAA in all sports. The volleyball team also won the CIAA Western Division regular-season title.