Jumbo Volleyball Sweeps Conn. College Saturday On The Road

NEW LONDON, CT (October 12, 2024) -- Sophomores Claire Castor and Emma Heckman combined for 21 kills Saturday, while senior Alina Qi added seven terminations as the Tufts University volleyball team moved to 6-1 in the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) with a 3-0 win over host Connecticut College. Tufts won with scores of 25-23, 25-23 and 25-15. 

Tufts (9-7, 6-1 NESCAC) struggled offensively in the opening set with 15 hitting errors, but it managed to total 11 kills while holding Conn. College (10-6, 1-5 NESCAC) to only six kills in taking the first set 25-23.

In the second set, Tufts trailed 15-13 midway through the stanza, but Castor posted a kill and ace to help put Tufts back on top 16-15. There would be three more ties in the period, before a 4-0 run by the Jumbos put them ahead for the remainder of the set. 

Everything would work for the Jumbos in the third set, as Tufts tallied seven of the first nine points while using another 8-1 run later in the frame to run away for the three-game sweep. 

Heckman shook off a tough outing Friday night to post 11 kills on 25 attempts, hitting .200 for the evening. Castor recorded yet another double-double with 10 kills and 11 digs, recording three service aces and two blocks. Qi hit .385 in the match, finishing seven of her 13 attempts. 

Sophomore Rianna Liu tallied 18 assists and eight digs, while first-year setter Ellery Clark also dished out 13 helpers. First-year libero Matsa Shi continued her strong play with a team-high 14 digs. Graduate student Christine Audette also posted seven digs and four kills to help the cause. 

Tufts hit .133 on the afternoon, posting 43 kills on 120 attempts, while finishing with eight service aces. Tufts won the kills battle 43-24 for the day, and also posted a 51-45 edge in digs. 

Mila Chan had eight kills for the Camels on Saturday, while Rae Wartelle added seven terminations and three blocks. 

Tufts will be back in Cousens Gymnasium on Friday, October 18 for Senior Night, entertaining conference leading Colby College at 7 p.m. in NESCAC play.