LCCC Volleyball Sweeps Way to National Tournament
Lorain County Community College beat College of DuPage 3-0 to win the NJCAA Division III Great Lakes District title.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Volleyball
Lorain County Community College swept College of DuPage 3-0, winning 25-13, 25-22, 25-23, to claim the NJCAA Division III Great Lakes District championship at home on October 31. The Commodores improved to 19-1 and extended their winning streak to 17 games.
Why it matters
The district title advances Lorain County Community College to the NJCAA Division III National Championship tournament, its fourth appearance under head coach Ted Whitsel. The team has not lost since August 29.
The match ended in three sets, with the Commodores winning the opening set after a 15-3 run and taking the second set after an 8-2 run. Maya Awad led the team with 11 kills and 6 blocks, while Ali Rumancik recorded 29 digs as the team totaled 78.
The players
Lorain County Community College
A public two-year college in Elyria, Ohio, whose volleyball program competes in the NJCAA Division III ranks.
Ted Whitsel
Head volleyball coach at Lorain County Community College, leading the Commodores to their fourth national-tournament appearance.
The details
Lorain County Community College controlled the opening set with a 15-3 run and later took a 18-17 lead in the second set on an 8-2 run before winning 25-22. The Commodores closed the match by winning the third set 25-23 to complete the sweep.
Timeline
October 31, 2026: Lorain County Community College wins the district championship at home.
November 11, 2026: The NJCAA Division III National Championship tournament begins in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
Season Trajectory
The 2014 team placed second at nationals, and the 2015 and 2018 teams finished fifth, so this year's trip extends a recurring national-tournament pattern for the program. The Commodores' 19-1 record and 17-game streak place them among the strongest squads the program has fielded in recent seasons.
Fans following the Commodores can track the team at the national tournament starting November 11 in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. The team's record and streak will matter as it seeks to advance beyond its second-place finish at nationals in 2014.
The takeaway
A district title sweep with a 17-game streak shows the Commodores entering the national tournament with strong momentum. Readers following local college sports can watch how the team performs in Glen Ellyn.
What happens next
The Commodores will compete in the NJCAA Division III National Championship tournament on November 11 in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
Further reading
Explore more Volleyball coverage from across the region for the wider context on college programs advancing to national play.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Morning Journal.
