Published On:Friday, January 27, 2012

IT WAS an exciting conclusion to the NPVA Women's Championship at the D W Davis gym as the perennial champions added another title to their résumé.

The Scottsdale Vixens won their eighth consecutive league title in the fifth and deciding game in the season finale against the Johnson's Lady Truckers on Wednesday night.

The Lady Truckers got off to a fast start leading by some six points in the first set before the Vixens turned their game to a next level to not only tie the set, but go on and win the first set 25-18.

In the second set, the Vixens once again found themselves down 23-18 and once again regrouped to win the second set 28-26.

In the third and final set, the Vixens had a good start and found themselves being chased by the Truckers in an effort to stay alive.

However, unlike the Truckers, the defending champions were able to sweep the Truckers in straight sets with a 25-23 win to secure the set and match.

Camilla Miller and Cheryse Rolle led the Vixens with eight points to win their eighth consecutive championship.

In the loss, Melinda Bastian led the Truckers and all scorers with 12 points. The awards ceremony will be announced at a later date.

* Here's a recap of the thrilling, five-game series:

Game 1

The Truckers appeared to be on a mission and got off to a good start, winning the first two sets 25-16, 25-21.

However, the defending champions Scottsdale Vixens were not prepared to lose in straight sets or even to lose the game and regrouped to win the next three sets 25-19, 25-12 and 15-13.

Cheryse Rolle led the Vixens with 19 points for the win with sister Krystel Rolle securing 12 points. In a losing effort, Melinda Bastian was strong for 17 points with both Tia Charlow and Kelsie Johnson finishing with 11 points.

Game 2

The Truckers would once again get off to a rocky but good start and won the first two sets 28-26 and 25-15.

But the Vixens would continue to battle in their attempt to lead the series 2-0.

After remembering what happened in the first game, the Lady Truckers took no chance and finished the set 25-16.

The Lady Truckers, behind a powerful Melinda Bastian's 15 points, tied the series 1-1.

Tia Charlow finished with nine and Kelsie Johnson with seven points. In a losing effort, Camilla Miller and Cheryse Rolle completed the evening with eight and seven points respectively.

Game 3

Like Game 2, the Truckers once again got off to a good start and secured the first set 25-18 before the defending champions Vixens would regroup to take the next two sets 25-21 and 25-16.

The Lady Truckers once again accepted the challenge and won the next two sets and the match 25-15 and 15-12.

Melinda Bastian, Kelsie Johnson and Tia Charlow led the Truckers in the victory. In a losing effort, Cheryse Rolle-Bain led the Vixens.

Game 4

The Vixens, with their backs against the wall and down 2-1 in the series, would rally. They came mentally prepared to secure the first set 25-16 before the Lady Truckers would rally back to win the second set 25-23.

Wanting the advantage, the Vixens came from behind 20-24 to secure the third set 28-26. The Truckers, not wanting to roll over and give up the game, convincingly won the fourth set 25-13.

In the fifth and final set, both the Truckers and Vixens were making some big plays and mental errors.

However, the Vixens were a bit more consistent and took the fifth set and game 15-11. Sisters Cheryse and Krysel Rolle led the Vixens with 16 and 12 points respectively in the win. In a losing effort, Kelsie Johnson put down 18 points followed by Melinda Bastian with 15 for the Truckers.