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WILLIAMSTOWN- A week of rest seemed to be just what the
Williams College women's volleyball team (14-5, 2-0) needed as they
swept all nine games en route to three victories Saturday
afternoon. The Ephs, playing at home for the first time since
September 18, defeated Rutgers-Newark (30-6, 30-6, 30-10), Skidmore
(30-11, 30-13, 30-19), and St. Josephs-Brooklyn (30-23, 33-31,
30-16).
"This is how we're capable of playing," said head coach Fran
Vandermeer. "I'm proud of how we played and how we maintained
our consistency on our side of the net."
The Ephs had both courts going at Chandler gymnasium Saturday on
the Class of '08 Senior Day. The Ephs lone senior,
captain Liz Hirschhorn, played a majority of the action at setter
and was instrumental in the three victories. Hirschhorn has
posted a record of 87-29 to go along with 335 assists, 188 digs,
and 35 service aces in her career.
Junior captain Riki McDermott also had an impressive day,
recording a season high 6 service aces against Rutgers-Newark.
In the Skidmore match, the Ephs were led by first year setter
Emily Avis and sophomore Chelsea Kubal. Kubal had a strong
all-around day posting 20 digs and 7 kills, while Avis ran the
offense efficiently, tallying 27 assists and 5 blocks.
McDermott (10 digs, 3 aces), first year Nicole Ballon-Landa (6
blocks, 6 kills), and sophomores Melissa Pun (8 kills, 12 digs, 2
service aces) and Whitney Hitchcock (4 blocks) rounded out the
numbers for the Ephs.
"I was very encouraged to see long stretches in the Skidmore
match where we executed our offense efficiently, and played
aggressive defense," said Vandermeer.
After taking the first game against St. Joes, the Ephs found
themselves down 29-23 in the second. Facing game point, the
Ephs took advantage of a red card by a St. Joe's coach to gain a
point and rally back to take the game and eventually the match.
"Both Liz [Hirschhorn] and Emily [Avis] ran our offense
excellently today," said Vandermeer. "Everybody contributed
to the three victories today."
The Ephs now have another week off before traveling to
Middlebury for a NESCAC weekend. The Ephs will play
conference foes Colby, Bates, and Bowdoin October 12-13.
