MEDFORD, MA. – For the first time in 22 years, the No. 18 Wesleyan volleyball team swept No. 19 Tufts University 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, 25-23) at Tufts' Cousens Gym on Friday night after battling back nine points in the third set to take back the lead in a tight match. The Cardinals have a perfect 5-0 record and open NESCAC play 1-0.

The last sweep of the Jumbos in Medford was Oct. 12, 2001.

The Cardinals saw 38 total kills, a .239 hitting percentage, five service aces, and four blocks. Eight players scored at least two points.

Sophia Lindus '26 led the Cardinals with nine kills, a .260 hitting percentage, eight digs, and three service aces. Mariko Tanaka '24 totaled seven kills, a .250 hitting percentage, and three digs. Kathryn Morton '24 was good for six kills and a .500 hitting percentage.

Ali Landa '26 saw a team-high 20 assists and six digs. Maya Lopansri '25 finished with 15 assists and two service aces. Bianca Ortiz '24, led with 13 digs.

In a heated rematch of the 2022 NESCAC Championship title match, the Cardinals caught an early lead in the first, gaining a 6-2 lead over the Jumbos after a three-point run from Morton, Ahearn, and Tanaka. While the Cardinals would continue to hold onto that lead for the remainder of the set, the Jumbos refused to stay down and tied the set back up at 11. Ahearn notched the final kill as the Cardinals won 25-21.

While the Jumbos looked for a quick lead in the second set, the Cardinals were one step behind and ran for five points in an effort led by Michelle Jorba '26 with two kills and a 12-9 lead. The Cardinals kept the Jumbos at a two-point distance for their final 13 points, winning 25-19.

Down 11-8 after tying the set up at eight, services aces from Lindus and Lopansri fueled the Cardinals eight-point comeback to tie the game up again at 16. A kill from Morton gave the Cardinals the lead they were searching for as the final eight points of the match were down to the wire for a final 25-23 win.

The Cardinals return to action on Saturday, Sept. 16, as they head to Endicott College for a 1:30 p.m. matchup.