NEW LONDON, CONN. — The Williams College volleyball team battled to the final point Saturday afternoon, falling to Connecticut College, 3-2 (25-15, 22-25, 25-23, 24-26, 17-15), in another hard-fought NESCAC matchup. 

The Ephs battled back after dropping the opening set, forcing the match to five before the Camels narrowly secured the decisive set.

Connecticut College came out in the opening frame, taking the first set, 25-15. Williams responded in the second, to even the match with a 25-22 victory.

The third set featured a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading rallies throughout. The Camels ultimately edged the Ephs, 25-23, to take a 2-1 lead.

Williams answered once again in the fourth set, as the Ephs put together their strongest offensive set of the afternoon. With the set going beyond 25 points, Williams claimed a 26-24 victory and forced a deciding fifth set.

The final frame was a battle to the finish. The Ephs fought to extend the match, but the Camels ultimately secured the 17-15 victory to take the match.

Kate Lane and Adalena Rodgers led the Ephs offensively with 13 kills apiece, while Marin Vaughns added eight kills and hit .375. Lane also contributed five digs and two blocks, while Rodgers added four digs.

Morgan Daetz led the Williams offense with 26 assists while adding 14 digs and two service aces. Emily Cao contributed 19 assists, and Eve Kaplan anchored the defensive effort with a team-high 16 digs.

At the net, Maya Thompson and Clara Massey each recorded four blocks, while Lane added two. Williams also finished with eight service aces, led by Daetz and Ellie Simons with two apiece.

The Ephs return to action next weekend as they head to Cambridge, Mass. to compete in the New England Challenge. Williams will take on MIT on Friday night, followed by two matches on Saturday against Springfield and Babson.