The Connecticut College women’s volleyball team packed the stands at Luce Fieldhouse for their final league game against fellow Connecticut school and rival Wesleyan on October 30.
Although not accurately reflected in their record, the Wesleyan team was anticipated to be a difficult match for the Camels. The first two games, in what eventually pushed to a five game match, reflected the intense nature of both teams. In game one the Camels pulled out a 25-23 win, which was soon answered in game two with a 25-23 victory in favor of the Cardinals. Each team won one more game, to force the fifth. In the final game, Connecticut College pulled away with the victory.
Although the team held strong as a unit, several key players stood out in the match versus Wesleyan.
Sophomore outside hitter Amy Newman was on fire with her remarkable 28 kills and 21 digs. Despite fighting an injury this season, Newman was able to consistently contribute to the Camels success.
Another key player was Senior Lauren Wise who, in her last home game for Camel volleyball, supplied 14 kills and 14 digs. The team’s only other senior, Meg Christman tallied 10 kills and 5 blocks in her final game in Luce Fieldhouse.
The Camels, who had previously qualified for the playoffs, were fighting for first place in NESCAC with this victory. This battle intensified when Tufts University, who had previously held first place in NESCAC, lost to Trinity College. This loss was quite unexpected and put the title of league champion and location of the NESCAC Tournament in limbo. Tufts University, Connecticut College, and Williams College each went 8-2 in league, but Tufts earned the honor of hosting the playoff tournament.
NESCAC tournament play began on Friday, November 6, and continued through Sunday evening.
In their quarterfinal match, the third-seeded Camels took on the Trinity Bantams. Conn had no problems with their Hartford rival, beating the Bantams in straight sets: 25-19, 25-20, and 25-18.
Conn opened the match with a 6-0 run behind kills from Amy Newman. Newman finished the night with 16 kills, leading all scorers, and was helped along by teammate Chelsea Manning ‘11, who tallied 34 assists in the match.
On Saturday, the Camels took on Williams in the semi-finals. Conn had previously lost to the Ephs this season, going down in straight sets, 3-0.
Much to Conn’s dismay, the result was no different than before. Once again, the Camels fell in three sets, ending a magical season for the team and the College community as a whole.
Volleyball was the only varisty sport to make it past the first round of NESCACs this season. With strong underclassmen leading the way for most of this season, you can only expect the Camels to be even more competetive in 2010.
The Champion of the NESCAC tournament, which was decided on Sunday, will move on to play in the Division III NCAA tournament.
