Photo courtesy of Alexandra Dizes
Mount Holyoke College volleyball players fought a hard battle against Worcester Polytechnic Institute last Tuesday, but were eventually defeated.
By Sindy Maldonado ’27
Sports Editor
Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s volleyball team capitalized on strong defensive net play and a remarkable second-set comeback to earn its first NEWMAC conference win of the season, sweeping Mount Holyoke College 3-0. The score per set was 25-18, 25-23 and 25-20. The game took place Tuesday, Sept. 29, at Mildred S. Howard Gymnasium in Worcester, Mass.
WPI made its mark at the net, recording 11 total team blocks and holding Mount Holyoke to a .000 hitting percentage. Outside hitter and first-year Niki Szavuly spearheaded the Engineers' attack with nine kills meanwhile while middle blocker and sophomore Olivia Hutchinson delivered an efficient eight kills on just 13 swings (.462). Defensively, senior Zeala VanDamme registered six block assists, and junior Anastasia Kelnik contributed another five.
The turning point of the match unfolded in the second set. After Mount Holyoke orchestrated a 10-3 run to build a commanding 19-13 lead, the Lyons extended their advantage to 21-14. However, the Engineers mounted a furious rally. Spikes from Szavuly pulled WPI even at 23-23, before a final Szavuly kill and a joint block by Kelnik and VanDamme capped the late comeback to put WPI up 2-0 overall.
Mount Holyoke fought back in a tight third set featuring 11 ties and five lead changes, but 11 attack errors ultimately thwarted the Lyons' efforts. WPI broke a 17-17 tie and secured the match behind back-to-back late kills from outside hitter and sophomore Bridget Spees and Kelnik.
Game leaders including outside hitter Eliza Vest ’30 paced Mount Holyoke with a double-double, recording a match-high 10 kills and 10 digs. Middle hitter Layla Abdullah ’30 contributed six kills and five total blocks, while libero Kyra Staples ’27 anchored the defense with 20 digs.
As of Oct. 4, Lyons Volleyball has had six wins out of the 10 games since beginning their season, and always deliver a fiery match.
Mount Holyoke volleyball will next compete on Friday, Oct. 9 against MIT at 6 p.m. in a home game.
Quill Nishi-Leonard ’27 contributed fact-checking.
