BRUNSWICK, Maine – Colby Volleyball secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory against Bowdoin in a thrilling five-set match, with scores of 25-22, 18-25, 25-21, 19-25, and 15-11. The Mules tallied an impressive 60 kills and 13 blocks in this victory. The balanced attack and solid defense helped the Mules secure a hard-fought win, improving their record to 10-1 overall and 2-0 in the NESCAC. Meanwhile, Bowdoin falls to 7-4 overall and 0-2 in conference play.

The Mules got off to a strong start in the first set, establishing an early 5-1 lead thanks to three kills and a block from Marjorie Johnson. Colby maintained their momentum throughout the set, with Johnson capping it off with another decisive kill for a 25-22 win. In the second set, Bowdoin responded quickly, taking control with a 7-3 lead. The Mules managed to level the score at 11-11, but the Polar Bears capitalized on Colby's errors to surge ahead, eventually claiming the set 25-18. The Mules regained its composure in the third set, with key plays from Johnson and Brady Moseley helping the Mules to a 25-21 win. However, Bowdoin fought back in the fourth set, pulling away late to take the set 25-19 after a final kill by Alison Smith, forcing a decisive fifth set to determine the match outcome. The final set was a back-and-forth battle, with Colby ultimately prevailing 15-11 to seal the match. The Mules started with an early lead and while Bowdoin tied it up, the Polar Bears struggled to capitalize on key plays, as attack errors and Colby's solid defense allowed the Mules to edge ahead. A final kill from Sarah Friedrichs, assisted by Jordan Lee, secured the 15-11 set win and the overall match for Colby. 

LJ Grant and Johnson led the attack with 13 kills each, while Friedrichs added 11. Grant also dominated from the service line with 3 aces, supported by Gabby Grujic with 1. Sydney Bopp was a defensive standout with 8 blocks, while Grant and Johnson added 2 blocks each. Assists were evenly split between Lee and Gabby Grujic, both with 24, and Reese Loyd led the team with 17 digs, followed by Grant with 16 and Grujic with 11.

Colby Volleyball continues its strong season with two home matches on September 28. They will face the University of Maine at Fort Kent at 2:00 PM, followed by a game against Thomas College at 4:00 PM. With an impressive 10-1 record, the Mules aim to extend their momentum in front of a home crowd.