Cambridge, Mass. - The Colby College Volleyball team defeated the Corsairs of UMass Dartmouth in four sets (25-20, 22-25, 25-13, 25-22) Thursday afternoon to advance to the second round of the NCAA Division III tournament. The Mules improve their record to 25-3 while the Corsairs end their season at 23-7.  

Only one day removed from learning the team landed four players on the All-NESCAC team and three on the AVCA All-Region team, the 10th-ranked Mules took to the court for their first NCAA tournament appearance since the storied 2005 season. All business from start to finish, Colby upended a spirited UMass Dartmouth team that was fresh off a Little East Championship less than a week ago.  Familiar names led the Mules on all ends of the court.  Brady Moseley followed up her 21 kills in the NESCAC Championship match with 15, tied with Sarah Friedrichs for the team lead.  Jordan Lee continued her stellar season from the service line with three aces as the Mules collected nine as a team. Cyanne Jones with five blocks and Alexa Peguero with four did their part to control action at the net, as the team totaled 16 across the four sets.  The setter position was once again shared by Lee and Gabby Grujic, collecting 16 and 31 assists respectively. 

After taking the opening set, the second proved to be the ultimate test.  UMass Dartmouth led out of the gate and built its lead to 24-18 before the Mules stormed back to within two points. The Corsairs were able to claim the final point, however, to avoid a sweep.  A short memory allowed Colby to regain control in the third and deliver the final stake in the coffin with a thrilling fourth frame to advance to the second round.  

The Mules will take back to the hardwood at MIT Friday to face the University of La Verne (24-5) at 4:30pm. The Leopards won the SCIAC championship last Saturday, traveling all the way from La Verne, Calif. Thursday they defeated Messiah in three sets to advance to Friday's matchup with Colby.