FORT WAYNE, Ind. - Indiana Institute of Technology posted a 3-1 victory over Walsh University (Ohio) in the opening round of the 2009 NAIA Volleyball National Championship to advance to the finals site in Sioux City, Iowa.

The 17th-ranked Warriors won 25-22, 28-26, 14-25 and 25-17 for the chance to continue their quest for a national title. With both teams adjusting to play, the second set was the key to the match. Walsh jumped to the early lead in the second set and led much of the way until the very end. Tech, down 25-26, rattled off three straight points to take a 2-0 lead.

It's the second trip to the national tournament and the final site for the Warriors (32-9) after qualifying last year and winning the opening round. Tech went 1-3 in pool play.

WHAC Player of the Year Ashley Hamilton recorded a double-double with 11 kills and 20 digs for Tech while teammate Amber Birky did the same with 12 kills and 10 digs. Melanie Forman recorded 38 assists and seven digs.

Final pool assignments and pool play schedule will be announced on Sunday, Nov. 22.