FAYETTE, Mo. – After hanging on to win the first set, 26-24, the Central Methodist volleyball team won the next two sets easily to advance to the 2018 NAIA Women's Volleyball National Championship in Sioux City, Iowa.

Marija Janjusevic (SR/Belgrade, Serbia) led Central Methodist with 13 kills and .591 hitting percentage. Viviane Viana (JR/Barueri, Sao Paulo, Brazil) also had double-digit kills in a double-double showing (10 kills, 18 digs).

Shannon Peters (SO/Waverly, Mo.) and Stevie Sherard (SR/Leavenworth, Kan.) orchestrated the offense with 23 and 14 assists. Alma Flores (SR/Tijuana, Mexico) had 22 digs to lead the defensive effort. Jane Kickham (JR/Springfield, Mo.) pitched in 12 digs, as well.

Mariana Do Nascimento (JR/Salto, Sao Paulo, Brazil) and Grace Stumbaugh (SO/Concordia, Mo.) combined for eight of the team's 12 blocks at the net.

Final site pools will be determined on Sunday, Nov. 18 and released by the NAIA. For additional information click here.

Pool play is set to begin in Sioux City, Iowa on Tuesday, Nov. 27.