written by: Brina Kuslak '22
MIDDLETOWN, Conn. - The Wesleyan volleyball team found its rhythm this week in a 3-0 win at home against Colby from Silloway Gymnasium on Friday night. In a match the Cardinals thoroughly dominated in all facets, the Cardinals racked up 38 kills to sweep the Mules with scores of 25-16, 25-14, and 25-12.
This win puts the Cardinals at 8-1 on the season and 3-1 in the NESCAC while the Mules drop down to 6-4 overall and 1-3 in the NESCAC.
Sydney Smith '25 celebrates one of her team-leading nine kills
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS:
- Maya Lopansri '25 opened the match with a four-point service run, setting the tone from the opening stages. With spread out attacking across the net, Wesleyan carried on their momentum to win the first set 25-16.
- Starting the second set strong with a kill was Maddie Kurke '22, setting the tone for the next 24 points. Back-to-back kills at 9-4 from Sidney Smith '25 grew Wesleyan's lead and set them up to finish the set 25-14.
- Defensive specialists Grace Bell '23 and Bianca Ortiz '24 kept the Mules to only four kills in the entire third set. Their stellar back line play frustrated the Colby hitters throughout and allowed for three Cardinal first years, Michelle Jorba '25, Bianca Gonya '25 and Zoe Swift '25, to see some well-deserved action at home and earn the win for the Cardinals in a 25-12 final.
Bianca Ortiz '24 helped lead a defensive effort that limited Colby to .000 hitting
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
- Smith '25 led the Cardinal offense with nine kills while Bella Ahearn '23 and Brina Kuslak '22 were close behind with seven and six kills respectively. Mariko Tanaka '24 put up an impressive seven blocks (three solo) with the help of setter Lopansri who tallied five herself.
- Similar to the Cardinals, the Mules' leading hitter, Jenny Slaveck, totaled nine kills and contributed to the Colby defense with nine digs.
- Lopansri continues to run Wesleyan's offense well, totaling 26 assists in the three sets.
HEAD COACH BEN SOMERA ON THE WIN:
"The team was solid tonight and we were able to maintain good rhythm throughout the match. Our defenders did a really nice job serving, passing, and digging and our attackers worked hard in transition to finish rallies."
UP NEXT:
Join the Wesleyan Cardinals for another NESCAC matchup at home on Saturday, October 2 at 2:00 PM against Bates!
