Middletown, Conn. - The Colby College Mules faced off against No.19 Ithaca College in a thrilling match that showcased their skill and teamwork. The Mules dominated the contest, winning all three sets with scores of 25-21, 25-24, and 25-21. With this victory, Colby not only extended their winning streak but also highlighted their ability to perform under pressure and remain composed. This brings the Mules' impressive record to 20-1 as the NESCAC Championships approaches while the Bombers drop to 16-4. Overall, Colby recorded a total of 38 kills, slightly edging out Ithaca's 37 kills and registered 11 service aces compared to Ithaca's 7. Defensively, the Mules tallied eight blocks while limiting Ithaca to just five blocks. 

In the first set, Ithaca took an early lead but Colby quickly found their rhythm with key blocks by Cyanne Jones and LJ Grant who slowed Ithaca's momentum. Despite Ithaca's attempts to close the gap, the Mules responded with a consistent offensive showing. A powerful service ace from Jordan Lee extended Colby's advantage, and Grant's final kill clinched the set at 25-21, setting the tone for a competitive match. The second set saw the Mules taking control early while Ithaca struggled to regain footing as Colby's defense remained unbreakable. The set was sealed by an error from Ithaca, giving the Mules a 25-21 win and adding momentum going into the next set, moving closer to a sweep. In the third and final set, Colby showed their resilience, overcoming Ithaca's initial burst of energy. Gabby Grujic's serves and Sarah Friedrichs' well-timed kills set the pace, allowing the Mules to pull ahead. Despite Ithaca's efforts to counter, Colby stayed composed, with Friedrichs delivering the winning kill to seal the set 25-21 and complete the sweep. 

Brady Moseley led with 12 kills, closely followed by Grant with 11 kills and Sydney Bopp with 5 kills. In terms of serving, Lee stood out with 4 aces, while both Bopp and Grujic contributed 2 aces each. Defensively, Cyanne Jones led the team with 5 blocks, supported by Grant with 3 blocks and Bopp with 2 blocks. Lee also excelled in assists with 20, aided by Grujic with 13 assists. In the back row, Moseley led the digs with 12, followed by Reese Loyd with 9, and Lee with 6.

With a well-rounded performance combining offensive prowess, effective serving, and strong defensive play, Colby emerged victorious, reinforcing their status as a competitive force in the league. Looking ahead, the Mules are set to face Juniata College the top team in the 2024 Division III Volleyball Poll tomorrow at 2:00 PM. This matchup presents a significant opportunity for Colby to leave their mark on the court and prove their mettle against elite competition.