AMHERST, Mass. -- The Brandeis University volleyball team was unable to continue its momentum into the championship bracket of the Hall of Fame Invitational, as the Judges lost two close matches to a pair of teams they had faced earlier in the year. In the semifinals, Williams College avenged an earlier defeat in Auerbach Arena, 3-2, while Tufts defeated the Judges for the second time this season in the third-place match, 3-1.

Brandeis (20-8) took a 2-1 lead against Williams, but the Judges couldn't put the Ephs away, falling 26-30, 30-25, 23-30, 30-28, 15-11. Junior outside hitter Lorraine Wingenbach (Buffalo, N.Y.) led the way with a fine all-around performance, contributing 31 kills, 16 digs, four blocks and three service aces. Sophomore middle blocker Piera Carfagno (Los Angeles, Calif.) added 18 kills and four blocks, while classmate Bridget McAllister (Santa Clara, Calif.) had 10 kills. Rookie setter Abby Blasco (Greeley, Colo.) had a career-high in assist for the second time in the tournament with 64, while junior libero Violette Ruggiero (Paradise Valley, Ariz.) led the Judges' defense with 24 digs.

Against Tufts, Brandeis had a similar match to their previous meeting in Auerbach Arena, as the Jumbos came out just ahead in four close games, 30-20, 28-30, 30-28, 30-28. Wingenbach and McAllister shared team-high honors with 13 kills. McAllister added 11 digs to record a double-double, as did senior opposite Ashley Powers (Waltham, Mass.), who had 11 kills and 12 digs. Ruggiero led the squad once again with 20 digs.