DAVIDSON, N.C. – Drake volleyball's memorable 2022 campaign continued with another 3-0 victory in the NIVC semifinals. The Bulldogs took down Atlantic 10 opponent Davidson in straight sets (25-21, 25-22, 25-17) to reach the title match.
 
Both teams went back-and-forth in the first set after the Bulldogs jumped out to an early 4-1 lead. Davidson fought back to knot the score at nine all before Drake rambled off another 4-0 run. The Bulldogs were able to take control of the set with a 9-3 run including four kills to take a 23-17 advantage. After another Wildcat charge, Mariana Rodrigues and Taylor Oberpriller eventually slammed the door with two-straight kills to take the set, 25-21.
 
Davdison provided a bit more resistance in the second set as it was the Wildcats' turn to start early. The hosts built a lead as large as 9-6 before Drake was able to settle in. Haley Bush started the Bulldogs' rally with a kill, her third of the set. Drake was able to take their first lead of the period since they were on top 3-2 with an Addison Beagle service ace. Both squads traded jabs again until Davidson found themselves in front, 21-20. The Bulldogs were able to fire off a 5-1 run punctuated by another Oberpriller score to win the set.
 
Drake then owned much of the final set. The Bulldogs led 5-1 in the early stages of the stanza. Davidson was able to come back and take an 8-7 lead before Drake really took control. The Wildcats hung around until Drake rolled off a 5-0 run to end the set and capture the 3-0 match victory.
 
Mariana Rodrigues led all players with 21 kills followed by Taylor Oberpriller with 16. Elsewhere on offense, Jada Wills logged a match-high two aces while Addison Beagle produced 49 assists. Defensively, Wills and Beagle combined for 23 digs while Kacie Rewerts led the Bulldogs with three blocks.
 
"I'm really proud of our team today," Drake head coach Darrin McBroom said. "Davidson had an amazing season…they upset a few teams in the NIVC to get this far, and they're one of the top defensive teams in the A-10. We knew it was going to be a tough match. We hit .410 against a good defensive team…kudos to Taylor Oberpriller and Mariana [Rodrigues] to lead the offense. We peaked at the right time earlier this year and have been keeping our edge…we're going to reset mentally and physically before the next match at home."
 
Drake's historic season will culminate on Wednseday, Dec. 14 when the Bulldogs host power conference opponent Boston College from the ACC for the NIVC crown. The NIVC title match will begin at 6 p.m. in the Knapp Center.
 
NOTES

• Drake added to their record-setting win total with their 30th victory of the year.
• Sunday's win came in the first meeting between Drake and Davidson volleyball.
• Drake came out firing hitting .438 in the first set.
• Mariana Rodrigues led the match with 21 kills, her sixth 20+ kill performance of the season.
• Taylor Oberpriller had another solid outing with 16 kills.
• Drake recorded five aces with Jada Wills serving up two of them.
• Addison Beagle's 49 assists were her most in a three-set match this season.
• Drake will host their second-ever postseason match and first in a championship setting.