Ephs down Union 3-1; remain unbeaten at home

WILLIAMSTOWN, MA-  The Williams College women's volleyball team (7-1, 2-0) took advantage of a 22-9 run to open up the decisive fourth game en route to a 3-1 victory over Union College (9-4) Tuesday night.  The win marked the second win in as many matches at home for the Ephs this season.

"I wish we could have been a little less inconsistent in this match but I think we played well against a good Union team," said head coach Fran Vandermeer.  "We worked on our attack coverage tonight and it really improved as the match went on."

The Ephs were able to take the first two games and control of the match with two strong rallies following timeouts.  Down 9-3 in the first game, the Ephs went on an 11-5 run to tie the score at 14, and didn't look back, winning 30-22.  In the second game, the Ephs found themselves trailing by four late, 24-20, until a post timeout surge resulted in the 30-28 win. 

After dropping the third game 30-24, the Ephs rebounded strongly, ending any hopes of a Dutchwomen comeback in the fourth game, 30-15.  For the Ephs, the story continues to be the fast progression of the talented first year class.  Emily Avis continued to impress at setter, posting 41 assists and 12 digs, while Kate Anderson (11 kills, 3 blocks), Nicole Ballon-Landa (11 kills, 2 blocks, 7 digs), and Eleanor Levine (6 kills, 3 service aces, 4 digs) led the charge offensively. 

"In terms of that fourth game, we want more games like that," said Vandermeer.  "We want more games where we get ahead, stay ahead, and make plays on defense to set the tone."

Junior captain Riki McDermott also had an excellent match, recording 17 digs, 8 kills, and 2 assists without committing an error, while sophomores Andrea Scioscia (11 digs, 3 service aces) and Chelsea Kubal (22 digs, 6 kills) set the tone defensively. 

For the Dutchwomen, the junior tandem of Erin Schumaker (10 kills, 6 blocks) and Rachel Ormsby (13 kills, 6 blocks) led the offensive unit.  Union also received great efforts from sophomores Veronica Mynders (29 digs) and Jennifer Merinder (32 assists) despite the loss.

The Ephs now leave home and travel to the MIT Invitational this weekend, September 21-22.  At 6 PM Friday, the Ephs take on Smith College and then will face either Vassar College or Endicott College at 8 PM, depending on the outcome of the first match.