Waterville, Maine - The Colby College Volleyball team took Middlebury deep in each of the sets, eventually falling to the Panthers 3-0 (25-20, 28-26, 25-22).  Middlebury entered the weekend ranked #10 in the NEWVA Regional Poll and moved to 6-2 overall while the Mules fell to 3-6.  

While a three set match looks like a sweep in the box, it was anything but.  The Mules put Middlebury on the ropes in each set, taking the second to extra points.  At 13-12 in the second, Colby lost a point when a 4th Middlebury hit was not called. The point, rather than giving the Mules a 14-12 lead, spurred an 8-3 run by the Panthers.  Coach Candice Parent's club didn't give up, storming back and eventually taking the lead with a set point opportunity at 25-24. Middlebury regrouped and played the Mules even point for point, and ended the set on top 28-26. 

The Mules carried their grit and late-set competitiveness into the third set, leading for the first half, at times by as much as six points.  Midway through, Middlebury drew even and it was back and forth for the rest of the way. Eventually, the Panthers closed the third set out, 25-22.  "Our players definitely came out to play tonight," said Parent. "I'm so proud of how well we executed our game plan.  We were extremely balanced offensively and defensively, and tonight showed we can play with anyone."

Five Mules entered the stat book with double digits in digs, with first year Morgan Selby leading the way with 16.  Sophomore Blair Sullivan was next with 14 followed by junior Elizabeth Middlebrook with 13.  Sophomore Natalie Simonton (pictured) had a remarkably efficient night offensively, boasting a .400 kill percentage and eight kills, while senior Nicole Petherbridge led the team with nine kills and 11.5 points.  Selby orchestrated the offense, totalling 30 assists.

Colby is back in action Saturday as it hosts a tri-match with Amherst (11:00am) and Endicott (3:00pm).  The two opponents join Middlebury ranked in the regional poll, 9th and 6th respectively.  

(Photo Courtesy of Calvin Wetmore '20)