Waterville, ME – Colby Women's Volleyball Team delivered an impressive performance, sweeping Middlebury in three competitive sets (25-21, 25-19, 25-23) in their latest NESCAC showdown. The Mules' combination of offensive firepower, defensive stability, and net dominance proved too much for the Panthers, securing Colby's sixth straight victory in conference play. With this win, the Mules continue to build momentum, improving their overall record to 16-1 and their conference record to 6-0. This victory brings Colby at the top of the 2024 NESCAC Women's Volleyball Standings with a 15 games winning streak. Meanwhile, Middlebury drops to 12-5, suffering their first NESCAC loss and bringing their conference record to 6-1.
Leading the way for Colby was
Cyanne Jones, who tallied 11 kills to pace the attack.
LJ Grant and
Brady Moseley followed closely with 10 and nine kills, respectively. This balanced offensive output kept Middlebury on the back foot, as Colby's setters
Jordan Lee and
Gabby Grujic orchestrated a fluid offense, combining for 41 assists. Grujic, in particular, added to her all-around performance with a service ace and multiple key plays down the stretch.
Reese Loyd, who led the team with 17 digs, provided crucial coverage in the back row, ensuring the Panthers could not gain any sustained traction. The Mules registered 50 kills to Middlebury's 25 and racked up 48 assists compared to Middlebury's 25. Colby also showed a stronger hitting percentage .182 compared to Middlebury's .063, highlighting the Mules' efficiency on offense.
The first set saw Colby establish control early, capitalizing on Middlebury's unforced errors. Kills from Jones and
Alexa Peguero, alongside strong serving from Lee, gave the Mules momentum to take the set 25-21. Middlebury struggled to find a rhythm, as Colby's defense, anchored by Loyd, proved resilient. In the second set, Colby continued to apply pressure with their formidable net presence.
Sydney Bopp and Peguero were dominant in blocking, each recording four blocks to stop Middlebury's attempts to hit through Colby's defense. With Jones and Grant again leading the offensive charge, the Mules comfortably closed out the second set 25-19. The third set proved to be the closest of the match, as Middlebury fought hard to secure this set. The Panthers displayed resilience, pushing Colby to the limit, but the Mules kept their composure. Moseley and Jones came up with key kills at critical moments, and Grant's defensive presence, paired with
Sarah Friedrichs, proved vital in holding off a late Middlebury rally. In the end, a well-placed kill by Peguero, off a Grujic set, secured the 25-23 win and sealed the sweep for Colby.
To conclude their Fall Break games, the Mules will face Maine Maritime Academy next on Tuesday at 7:00 PM in a non-conference home game, where they will aim to continue their winning streak.
