WILLIAMSTOWN, MASS. — The Williams College volleyball team made history Saturday afternoon, defeating Middlebury, 3-1, to earn the program's 1,000th all-time victory. 

"Today's win was certainly an incredible one for the program with the historic milestone of reaching 1000 wins," said head coach Christi Kelsey. "It really is a testament to all of the student athletes who have been apart of this family and also the amazing coaches and support staff as well over the years."

The Ephs battled back from an opening set loss to take the next three sets, 25-18, 25-22, and 25-21, closing out their regular-season home schedule with a milestone victory in Chandler Gymnasium.

Middlebury took the opening set, 25-22, Williams responded immediately in the second, recording 18 kills to even the match with a 25-18 victory.

The Ephs carried that momentum into the third set, building a lead and holding off the Panthers, 25-22, to move within one set of the win. Williams then closed out the match in the fourth, overcoming another competitive set to earn a 25-21 victory and secure the historic milestone.

"In particular for our team, this really was a big team effort to beat Middlebury today. We are very proud of the team for how they responded from last night and definitely found a way to elevate each other for a very tough NESCAC matchup today," said Kelsey. 

Adalena Rodgers led the Ephs with kills, adding 12 digs and a service ace. Clara Massey was unstoppable offensively, recording 14 kills on just 16 attacks for an outstanding .813 hitting percentage. Kate Lane added 13 kills and 17 digs, while Chidimma Obi contributed nine kills and three blocks.

Morgan Daetz recorded 32 assists and 13 digs, while Carstens added 29 assists and three service aces. Eve Kaplan anchored the defensive effort with 22 digs.

The Ephs also found success from the service line, recording eight aces as a team. Maya Thompson led the way with four aces, while Carstens added three and Rodgers contributed one.

With the win, Williams improves to 11-5 overall and 4-2 in NESCAC play.

"I want to just say a huge thank you to Morgan, Keely, and Tatum as it was senior weekend here and we had a chance to celebrate them! They really have been such great teammates and role models in their four years with us and so glad that we still have some more volleyball ahead with them."

The Ephs now turn their attention to the final stretch of the regular season, beginning with a NESCAC road weekend at Trinity and Connecticut College on Oct. 16-17.