CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – The Brandeis volleyball team drfopped a pair of matches on Saturday at the MIT Invitational in MIT's Rockwell Cage. The Judges were overtaken by Edgewood (Wisc.) in four sets in their third match of the tournament, and by Springfield College in three sets later in the day.
Against the Eagles, the visitors took the first and second sets, 25-13 and 25-11, but the Judges rebounded in the third set with a 25-16 win. The Judges hung tough as they tried to extend the match but fell short in the fourth set 25-20.
In the Springfield match, the Judges were unable to get into their rhythm as the Pride generated a .385 hitting percentage in the first set leading them to a 25-13 win. The second set was marked by more aggressive Springfield swings for a 25-12 win. The Judges were more competitive in the third set but ultimately fell, 25-21.
Leading the way on Offense for the Judges was rookie outside hitter Grace Krumpack (Cincinnati, Ohio/Colerain), who had nine kills between the two matches, as well as 20 digs and one service ace.
Sophomore outside hitter Jessie Moore (Rye, N.Y./Rye) registered four kills against Edgewood and five against Springfield to compliment the Judges' offensive effort.
Senior middle hitter Maddie Engeler (Huron, Ohio / St. Mary Central Catholic) tallied four block assists and one solo block on the final day of the tournament.
Rookie libero Yvette Cho (San Diego, Calif./Rancho Bernardo) led both matches defensively, with 14 digs against the Eagles and 19 against the Pride. Classmate Shea Decker-Jacoby (Los Angeles , Calif. / Marymount) aided in the defensive effort with 19 digs between the two matches.
Brandeis (2-9) returns to action Thursday September 17th at 7:00 PM with a match at Emerson College in Boston.