Women’s Volleyball victorious against WPI; last home game
Seniors celebrate final home victory enthusiastically
Katie Bodner—The Tech
Colorful and motivational posters and balloons lined Rockwell Cage this Tuesday evening for the final home volleyball match of the regular season. Full of spirit, the seniors sprinted onto the court, energetically anticipating their final home game. For the ’12s, it was a night to remember as MIT defeated WPI in a 3-0 sweep, raising MIT’s record to 22-9 overall and 6-2 in NEWMAC.
The first frame began with fast-paced back-and-forth action as MIT struggled to pull ahead. Finally, MIT turned up the heat and pushed out a 14-6 run. WPI managed to cut MIT’s lead to 19-17. Rachel A. Hunt ’14, right hitter, then recorded a crucial kill to ignite MIT’s 6-2 run to clinch the frame at 25-19.
The second set picked up from the high energy level of the first set. Exceptional serves by Cecily L. Joujon-Roche ’12, midhitter, led to back-to-back aces which sparked an 8-0 run by MIT. As in the first set, WPI attempted to come back, but a sequence of miscues and strikes by Kelley E. Schulte ’12, right hitter, propelled MIT to win the set 25-15.
MIT entered the final set with the same momentum and netted a 14-7 lead early on. This set, however, WPI managed to make a comeback and tied the game at 18. Anxious to close out its last home game on a high note, MIT answered back with a huge kill by Trinity P. Leonard ’12, outside hitter, to finish the game 25-23.
For the seniors, this win was bittersweet. Joujon-Roche commented, “Our team is really close. I’ll definitely miss the friendships I’ve made and the competitiveness. Everyone is really dedicated which makes playing the game more fun, especially when you are playing with people who care about you both on and off the court.”
MIT will next play against the U.S. Coast Guard Academy on Oct. 29 at 1 p.m. to wrap up the regular season.