WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- The ninth-ranked Madonna volleyball team claimed the 2006 Pepsi Bash at the Beach Tournament title after defeating host school Palm Beach Atlantic, 3-0, by scores of 30-15, 30-26, 30-14.

The Crusaders moved on to the championship game after defeating Southeastern University, 3-0 (30-18, 30-12, 30-12), earlier in the day.

Sophomore outside hitter Lubovj Tihomirova (Riga, Latvia/Rigas Gymnasias HS) earned tournament MVP honors after posting 18 kills in the championship match.

Senior middle hitter Caryn Inman (Oxford, MI/Oxford HS) was also named to the All-Tournament Team for the Crusaders.  Inman helped lead MU over PBA after recording 13 kills and seven total blocks in the championship.

The Crusaders advanced to the semifinals of the tournament after defeating Northwood (FL) and Embry-Riddle (FL) in pool play on Friday.

In the semifinals matchup against Southeastern, the Crusaders were lead by Inman who posted a team high 20 kills and five total blocks.

Junior libero Jacqui Gatt (Livonia, MI/Churchill HS) helped the Madonna defensive effort with 10 digs.

The Crusaders will return home to play Michigan-Dearborn in a league match on Tuesday, beginning at 7:00 p.m. (ET) in the Activities Center.