MEDFORD, MA (November 12, 2022) -- The Tufts University volleyball team saw its magical season come to an end on Saturday evening in Cousens Gymnasium, as the Jumbos fell in three sets to Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the NCAA Regional Final with scores of 25-14, 25-20 and 25-18.
The Jumbos (23-6), winners of the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) automatic bid, had trouble getting back into the rhythm of things after a hard-fought, five-set win over Babson Friday night in the NCAA Second Round. MIT served extremely well Saturday, which made it hard for the Jumbos to get into system. On the other hand, the Engineers passed well and got great contributions for their hitters across the line-up in picking up the straight set victory.
Tufts battled at times throughout the second and third set, but offensively just couldn't get it going due to MIT moving well at the net. The Jumbos saw two players earn All-NCAA Regional Tournament Team, as
Jennelle Yarwood and
Stephanie Lee were tabbed to the squad.
Yarwood led the team with nine kills on Saturday, as she also led for the team lead with eight digs. Junior
Tori Goldin led the team in hitting, adding six kills, while
Maya Lightfoot and
Christine Audette each tallied four terminations apiece.
Zoe Gregory dished out 12 assists in the loss, while Lee tallied eight digs in her final match as a Jumbo.
MIT got 10 kills from Tournament MVP Consecrata Rozario, while Emily Cheng also was named All-Tournament Team after handing out 34 assists along with eight digs. Ella Gragg and Lauren Keller each had nice kills as well for the Engineers, who advance to the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight for the second straight season.
Tufts will have a tough task of replacing six seniors, as Lee, Lightfoot, Yarwood,
Grace Legris,
Jessica Sanderson and
Anna Nachmanoff completed their careers Saturday. The group of six has left a lasting mark on the program that will be remembered for years to come.
--JUMBOS--
