Flip Cam
Williamstown, Mass. -- Coming off a strong showing in the MIT Invitational over the weekend, and looking to reclaim their home court after a loss to SVC last Wednesday, volleyball hosted Union College in a non conference match-up. The Dutchwomen came into the match at 8-6 and seeking their first statement win of the season, but were ultimately disappointed as the Ephs rolled to a 3-1 (25-22, 25-19, 15-25, 25-15) victory in front of a raucous crowd in Chandler Gymnasium.
Williams opened up strong in the first two sets, battering their opponents offensively behind the heavy swings of first year outside hitter Claire Miller. Miller would have six kills in both the first and second set, en route to her team leading 16 kills in the match. Miller would also lead the team defensively, tallying 16 digs. Williams won the first two sets by scores of 25-22 and 25-19 respectively. The Ephs looked ready to close out the match in three sets, their only real problem area being some untimely missed serves, although the Dutchwomen had other ideas.
Roaring back into the match, Union stunned the Ephs with a quick outburst at the beginning of the third set to take a commanding lead. Williams would attempt to battle back, but the Dutchwomen held out for the 25-15 victory.
In the fourth set sophomore Emily Baratta came alive, slamming home six out of her nine total kills to power the team forward. In what was truly a team offensive effort, 5 players tallying 5 or more kills, Baratta would be the player that turned the tide against Union for good. First year Raea Rasmussen provided a good balance for the Ephs, having a team leading 7 blocks while also contributing 8 kills in 24 attempts for a team leading hitting percentage of .250 (2 errors). Junior Haley Eagon had 5 kills to go with 5 blocks, while sophomore Emily Doll had 6 kills and 4 blocks.
Rookie setter Amanda Schott was the linchpin that allowed the Williams offense to function, tossing up 42 assists. Defensively Miller had the team lead in digs, while senior libero Aly McKinnon was second on the team with 13 digs. Schott had a further 8 digs, while Baratta and Eagon had 6 apiece. Behind their strong team effort the Ephs closed out the fourth set 25-15, and with it the well deserved victory.
The Ephs will now travel to Hamilton College over the weekend for their second NESCAC weekend of the year. Williams will take on the hosts, Wesleyan University, and Trinity College as they look to pick up their first conference win.
