SIOUX CITY, Iowa. – The No. 9 ranked Battlin' Bears swept the No. 25 ranked Marian Knights at the 2018 NAIA Women's Volleyball National Championship.

Rocky has now swept both of their first two matches in championship pool play. This is the 20th sweep of the year for the Battlin' Bears.

The Battlin' Bears pulled away from the Knights in the first set 23-14. Rocky fended off a barrage of late Marian kills to secure the first set 25-23.

Marian kept the second set close initially, but Rocky was able to pull forward and claim a solid 25-18 set win.

A strong Marian start at the beginning of the third set had the Knights atop the Battlin' Bears 12-6. The Knights proved unable to maintain their momentum down the stretch. Rocky tied the game at 17-17 before scoring eight in a row. The Battlin' Bears secured the sweep 25-19.

Hailey Copinga scored 11 kills with 11 digs and four blocks. Daniella Russell provided an additional six kills.

Natalie Hilderman contributed 23 assists while leading the team in digs with 17.

One of 12 teams still undefeated in the tournament, Rocky Mountain College will continue pool play tomorrow against Northwestern College. The match will once again take place at 8 p.m. CST / 7 p.m. MST in Sioux City, Iowa.