FROSTBURG, Md. - After struggling to defeat York in the Capital Athletic Conference semifinals Thursday, the Frostburg State volleyball team brought a championship-caliber performance to Bobcat Arena on Saturday afternoon as it defeated Mary Washington, 3-0, to win the CAC title.

The three-game sweep marks the 23rd of the season for the Bobcats (32-3), but none came on a bigger stage. Frostburg got off to a fast start, scoring the first five points and forcing Mary Washington to burn a timeout. The Bobcats kept pressuring the middle of the Eagles' defense, dropping tips or crashing kills into the exposed areas. The Bobcats cruised to a 25-12 win. Senior outside hitter Sarah Stephens (Oakland, Md./Southern Garrett) led the charge in game one, netting seven of her match-high 16 kills. Junior setter Kylie Carrington (New Freedom, Pa./Susquehannock) dished out 16 assists in the first game.

Mary Washington (19-9) gained its composure in the second game and did not trail until 22-21. The Bobcats, who trailed by as many as six points, fought back to finally pull even at 17 apiece. The game was tied at six different occasions, all coming at that 17th point or later. Frostburg did manage to score the final three points of the game to win, 25-23, and take a commanding 2-0 lead in the match.

With the third game tied 3-3, Frostburg used a 12-4 run to put the game - and the match - out of reach. The Bobcats put the finishing touches on their first CAC title in their first year in the conference with an easy 25-11 victory. Senior outside hitter Jamie Thomas (Laurel, Md./Reservoir) finished with nine kills and 12 digs, while senior libero Brittany McVearry (Severna Park, Md./Severna Park) finished with 13 digs and three aces. One of those included the championship-clinching point in front of a standing crowd.

Stephens finished with 16 kills and eight digs. Junior outside hitter Amber Winterling (Glenelg, Md./Glenelg) chipped in with 10 digs. Carrington finished with 37 assists.

The Bobcats earn the CAC's automatic bid to the NCAA tournament and will find out Monday where they will be placed. A tournament preview will be available early next week at frostburgsports.com.