Babson Park, MA - In a fiercely contested match, the Williams College Ephs (10-8) faced off against the Babson College Beavers (20-2) in a thrilling encounter that showcased strategic brilliance and intense rallies. Despite their efforts, the Ephs fell 3-0, but not without leaving their mark on the court.
The opening set was a roller coaster of momentum shifts and errors. At first, the Beavers struggled to find their footing, committing four errors to grant Williams the lead 6-5. Annaliese Fricke achieved two consecutive kills to help the Ephs to a 5-point lead, but then 3 attack errors and an ace allowed Babson to come back. With Williams now seemingly off-centered, the Beavers were able to steal the lead at 15-14. The Ephs quickly tried to regroup, with Keely Campuzano delivering a series of powerful kills to keep Williams within striking distance. As Babson began slipping away, the Ephs called a timeout 19-16, which continued worryingly as two attack errors and a block gave the Beavers a total run of 5 points. Williams went on a notable run mid-set, sparked by Morgan Daetz's precision serves and sets, closing the gap 23-20. This momentum forced a nervous Babson timeout. Unfortunately, the Beavers capitalized on Williams' subsequent errors to clinch the set 25-20.
Determined to turn the tide, Williams entered the second set with renewed energy. They quickly took control as Tatum Baker and Annaliese Fricke each delivered crucial kills, helping the Ephs establish an early 6-4 lead, as Babson struggled with consistency, committing two service errors that allowed Williams to maintain their advantage. Although a four point run gave Babson a two-point lead, the Ephs quickly came back with 2 three point runs to lead 12-9. However, Babson responded fiercely, managing to score 2 of their own three point runs with a series of well-placed shots and errors to seize the lead 15-13. After some back and forth, Williams called a timeout to regroup, and it paid off. Tatum Baker and Kate Lane's much needed two kills reignited the team's momentum, as they pushed to a lead of 23-22. Despite the Ephs efforts to claw back, after a timeout, the Beavers held their ground, taking the set 25-23.
The third set began with both teams trading points, keeping the score tight. Williams initially fell behind due to Babson's strong kills, but Tatum Baker and Annaliese Fricke quickly responded with crucial points to keep it close at 5-4. Babson then gained momentum, pulling ahead with a series of successful plays, extending their lead to 9-5. Williams, determined to close the gap, saw Kate Lane deliver a key kill, bringing the score to 9-6. Despite efforts from Williams, Babson maintained their lead, taking advantage of Williams' errors to push the score to 14-8. Babson capitalized on Williams' service errors and maintained pressure, extending their lead to 7. A brief period saw Williams fight back to 18-14 with key contributions from Tatum Baker. As the set progressed, Babson's tactical plays and Williams' forced errors gave the Beavers the upper hand. Despite late efforts by Williams to mount a comeback, Babson closed out the set 25-18, securing the match.
Despite the loss, there were numerous positives for Williams. Head coach Christi Kelsey reflected on the match: "Tonight was just tough. Some bright spots of play but just super up and down in our skills and court presence too. We have a lot of confidence in this team and know we will bounce back tomorrow!"
Looking forward, the Ephs are eager to continue Day 2 of the New England Challenge. Their next two matches are both tomorrow in Cambridge, MA against No.4 MIT at 11:00 AM and Springfield College at 3:30 PM.
