Box Score
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| Isabel Kuhel had nine kills against Williams for the Jumbos on Senior Night |
MEDFORD – On senior night at Cousens Gym, the Tufts volleyball team rallied down a set to come back and knock off Williams, 3-1. The Ephs were in first place in the NESCAC going into the match. The Jumbos honored senior tri-captains Hayley Hopper, Isabel Kuhel and Jessica Ingrum before the match.
The Ephs, who were receiving votes in the latest American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) national poll and were the top ranked team in the New England Women's Volleyball Association poll, were able to jump out to an early lead and take the first set from the Jumbos, 25-17.
The Jumbos and Ephs traded points in the second set, with no one leading by more than two points until the Jumbos were able to score five consecutive points behind the serve of junior Kyra Baum to take a 21-14 lead. The Ephs were not willing to give up, but the Jumbos were able to move to a 25-18 win to even the match score at one set apiece.
Using the momentum from the second set, the Jumbos jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the third set. Despite a few Williams points, they were able to move out to a 12-5 lead once again behind the serve of Baum. Hopper had four kills in the third set, while junior Maddie Kuppe turned in three of her own to help the Jumbos win, 21-25, and take a 2-1 lead in sets in the match.
In the fourth set it was Williams that came out and grabbed a lead, as the Ephs were leading 5-1 early. The Jumbos tied the score at 14 and moved out to a lead from there. Five consecutive points, yet again behind the serve of Baum, helped the Jumbos gain a 22-15 lead and move on to a 25-17 win in the fourth set.
Kuppe finished the night with 15 kills and seven digs, while Hopper had 14 kills and eight digs. Also helping the Jumbos offense were Kuhel, who had nine kills and hit for an impressive .533 hitting percentage, and sophomore Elizabeth Ahrens who had eight kills and four blocks on the night. Junior Carolina Berger finished with 14 digs for the Jumbos while Baum took care of the setting and finished with 39 assists and 17 digs. The Jumbos had six service aces, with two of those coming from Baum.
For the Ephs, the offensive attack was led by sophomore Tori Jasuta who finished with 13 kills and nine digs. Junior Katherine Lane had ten kills and senior Claire Miller turned in seven kills and eight digs. Junior Ryan Farley took care of most of the setting for the Ephs, finishing with 32 assists and five digs. The Ephs finished with five service aces, with Farley having two and sophomore Caitie Benell also earning two.
With the win, Tufts, Williams and Amherst are in a three-way tie for first place in the NESCAC. The Jumbos and the Lord Jeffs face off tomorrow. Should the Jumbos win, they would move into first place in the conference. If the Lord Jeffs win, and Williams is able to beat Conn. College tomorrow, the Ephs would remain the first place team as they beat Amherst earlier this season 3-2. The Jumbos also still have to play Middlebury and Hamilton in conference play in two weeks.
The Ephs and the Camels of Conn College face off at 2:00 pm tomorrow. Amherst and Tufts will face each other at 1:00 pm on Saturday. After that match Amherst will play Endicott at 3:00 pm, and the Jumbos will take on Endicott at 5:00 pm.
This weekend is Dig Pink weekend for volleyball teams across the NESCAC. All teams are wearing pink warm-up shirts and have raised money towards the Side-Out Foundation. Coaches will be wearing pink attire all weekend, and fans are encouraged to wear pink as well.
