Lakewood, N.J.- The Georgian Court University women's volleyball squad earned its first Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) crown since winning four straight from 2006-2009 as the #3-seed Lions downed #2 Philadelphia University in a 3-2 classic Saturday afternoon in the GCU Wellness Center.

The victory improves Georgian Court's record to 20-12 as the Lions earn an automatic bid to the 2013 NCAA Division II National Tournament, which commences next month. GCU will find out its opponent on Sunday, November 25 when the field is announced by the NCAA at 7:30 p.m.

The Rams see their season come to a close with a 20-9 mark as Philadelphia falls to Georgian Court for the third time in a CACC title match (2006, 2008, 2009).

GCU grabbed a 1-0 advantage after taking set one by a 25-21 score. The Rams proceeded to take sets two and three by identical 25-20 counts to build a 2-1 lead. The Lions, refusing to go down easily on their home floor, rallied from the brink of elimination and rattled off dramatic wins in sets four (25-21) and five (17-15) to solidify their fifth conference banner.

Tatiana Villariny Rodriguez took home Most Valuable Player honors with an incredible 27 kills and .481 hitting average to go along with five blocks. Gabriela Berrios-Hernandez compiled nine kills and nine digs. Jaslene Lopez dominated at the net with an eye-popping 55 assists and Francheska Cedres controlled a match-high 15 digs. Kelsie Blue recorded six kills to go along with 10 blocks.

Jhoan Agosto Rivera (9 kills) and Anabelle Barinas (7 kills) joined Rodriguez on the CACC All-Tournament team.

Philadelphia All-Tournament selection, Brittany Olson (Sr.-Sycamore, Ill.) paced the Rams' offense with 13 kills and eight digs. Chelsea Hughes (So.-Wading River, N.Y.), also an All-Tourney pick, collected 13 kills of her own and five blocks.

CLICK HERE to view the official 2013 CACC Championship highlight video.