Williamstown, Mass. – After 683 days away, Williams College (4-0) returned to Chandler Gymnasium and defeated Vassar College (2-5) in three sets.
The third set proved to be the deciding factor in the Williams and Vassar matchup. Williams led for much of the set, with the biggest lead being 19-14 behind powerful kills from junior
Christina Conforti and sophomore
Marit Hoyem. Vassar was determined to persevere and utilized a diversified attack front, most notably highlighted by senior Claire Basler-Chang with 2 kills and a service ace. This allowed Vassar to take the lead 22-21, forcing a Williams timeout. This timeout reset Williams' mindset, as senior
Lydia Kurtz powered down a kill after to tie the set followed by a kill from sophomore
Celia Adams to take the 23-22 lead. From here, Williams pushed through and won the set 25-23.
In the first set, Chandler Gymnasium was booming with student spectators excited to return and cheer on the Ephs. Both teams were evenly matched, with many hustle plays, but Vassar held the lead for most of the set, highlighted by play from senior libero Sara Ehnstrom and Claire Basler-Chang. However, Williams refused to quit, and a kill from
Lydia Kurtz tied the set at 19-19. From here, the Ephs maintained control for the remainder of the set behind an electric dump from sophomore Lauren Kauppilla to push the Williams lead to 21-19. Although Vassar briefly threatened and narrowed the Williams lead, Williams persevered and won 25-22.
The second set began with Williams jumping out early, but Vassar freshman Hailey Hayes' excellent serving allowed Vassar to narrow the Williams lead. A kill from Eph junior
Kiley Wallace boosted the Eph's energy, giving Williams a 12-9 lead and helping the Ephs control the remainder of the set. After this, Williams never looked back, and three strong blocks from junior
Christina Conforti helped keep the Ephs momentum rolling. Williams won the set 25-14.
Vassar leaders were: Hailey Hayes with 10 kills, senior Madison Wilson with 21 assists, and sophomore Maya Levine with 9 digs. Williams leaders were:
Lydia Kurtz with 11 kills,
Lauren Kauppila with 20 assists, and senior
Allison Frison with 12 digs.
Eph head coach
Christi Kelsey remarked, "It was really exciting to be back in Chandler Gymnasium, and we had a great turnout from our students cheering us on. Tonight, we saw the depth we have, and we have a lot of people who can contribute throughout the season. We're excited to figure out those pieces and play again on Friday."
Williams opens NESCAC play on Friday, September 17
th at 8 PM EST when they will take on Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut.
