NEW YORK -- Whitworth University defeated New York University 25-17, 26-28, 25-22, 25-16 in its fourth and final game of the tournament to finish 4-0 and claim the championship at the NYU Labor Day Invitational over the weekend.

Rocha was named MVP of the invitational

Kaimi Rocha (Fr., OH, Pukalani, Hawaii) was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player after recording 46 kills (hitting .337), 27 digs and seven service aces in the four matches. Holly Tomlin (Sr., MB, Kirkland, Wash.) was also named to the all-tournament team.

The Pirates opened the tournament on Saturday by defeating Rutgers-Newark 25-7, 25-4, 25-9. Randi Stephens (So., MB, Bozeman, Mont.) had six kills without a hitting error to lead the Pirates. Rocha and Bree Riddle (Fr., S, Spokane, Wash.) each had five aces, while Bethany Castilleja (Sr., Lib, Kennewick, Wash.) had seven digs. Click here for match box score.

Whitworth defeated the Sage Colleges 25-14, 25-16, 13-25, 25-18 in Saturday's second match. Rocha established a solid career high in only her second match with 18 kills while hitting .406 in the contest. Tracy Schwada (Jr., RS, Whitefish, Mont.) added seven kills and Nikki Bardwell (Sr., OH, Colville, Wash.) finished with 17 digs. Jordon Hoffnagle (Fr., S, Spokane, Wash.) finished with 23 assists. Click here for Whitworth stats.

On Sunday morning the Bucs rolled to a 25-18, 25-9, 25-15 win over Polytechnic (N.Y.) behind Rocha's 10 kills and nine digs. Hoffnagle dished 22 assists and Castilleja had 11 digs. Click here for Whitworth stats.

The win over Poly set up Sunday's meeting with fellow unbeaten NYU. Whitworth defeated the hosts 25-17, 26-28, 25-22, 25-16. Bardwell led the way with 16 kills, while hitting .441, and 11 digs. Rocha added 13 kills and Hoffnagle finished with 19 assists and 12 digs. Castilleja had a match-high 18 digs. The Violets were held to a team hitting percentage of .094. Click here for complete box score and play by play.

The Pirates, off to their best start since 2004, will return home to host the Whitworth Invitational next Friday and Saturday in the Fieldhouse.