The second-ranked Madison College volleyball team earned the right to officially defend their national championship Saturday. The WolfPack swept through the NJCAA Region IV Tournament, beating both Joliet Junior College and sixth-ranked Rock Valley College 3-0.

In match number one, playing against the Wolves, it was the WolfPack sophomores leading the way. Hannah Grahn finished with 39 assists, while Katlynn Wirag, Mikayla Nigl and Brooke Gilbertson teamed up for 30 of the team's 44 kills. Wirag led the Madison College offense with 12 kills in the three-set sweep, while also accounting for a team-high 10 digs.

The final scoreboard read 25-12, 25-23 and 25-17, all in favor of the WolfPack. The victory over Joliet Junior College set up the team's top-10 showdown with the Golden Eagles.

Against Rock Valley, with a trip to the national tournament on the line, it was a freshman stepping up big. Allie Lehner, one of the team's middle blockers, led Madison College with nine kills.

All-American nominee, Hannah Grahn was her usual efficient self, setting up her teammates to the tune of 35 assists. Katlynn Wirag (15) and Sydney Clarson (13) combined for 28 digs defensively.

Though Madison College collected the 3-0 win over sixth-ranked Rock Valley, the match was a close one. The final scores were 25-22, 25-22 and 25-18.

The WolfPack (27-3, 11-1) will next compete in the NJCAA Division III National Championship in Rochester, Minnesota, Friday-Saturday, Nov. 14-15, 2014. Last year, Madison College swept three straight opponents in the tournament to claim their first-ever national championship.