The volleyball team enters this weekend's NESCAC championship tournament on an impressive streak, having won seven straight matches and 15 of their last 16.
After winning their final three contests last weekend at Conn. College, the Jumbos finished the season with an overall record of 24−4 — including 9−1 in the NESCAC — clinching the second seed in the tournament, behind only the undefeated Bowdoin Polar Bears.
Tufts will face the No. 7 Williams Ephs at Bowdoin in the quarterfinals on Friday, a squad the Jumbos defeated in four sets on Sept. 17 and in straight sets on Oct. 22. With a win against Williams, Tufts will move on to the semifinals to face the winner of the matchup between No. 6 Conn. College and No. 3 Middlebury.
The Jumbos' recent success can be attributed to an increase in energy and an emphasis on consistent play throughout every match.
"We focused on being steady and just playing how we know how to [play] without overdoing it," senior tri−captain Cara Spieler said. "Our last run of wins can be credited to keeping our energy really high."
Another reason for the continued success of the Jumbos has been the strong play of their freshman class. Coming into the season with eight freshmen on the roster, the returning players have done an impressive job integrating them into the program. Leading the way are Kelly Brennan, Hayley Hopper and the team's most recent NESCAC player of the week, Isabel Kuhel, who — along with Spieler — are atop the team leaderboard in kills, recording 309, 273 and 166, respectively. In addition, Kuhel leads the conference with 115 blocks, 15 more than the second place player, Bowdoin senior Kristin Hanczor.
"We had so many younger girls, so people doubted us," senior tri−captain Lexi Nicholas said. "But they stepped up to the plate completely. They worked hard to get better every day and tried to be the best they could be."
The No. 7 seed Ephs stumble into the NESCAC championship having lost their last four matches, finishing the regular season with a record of 16−12, and 5−5 in the conference.
Williams' standouts are senior co−captain and libero Aly McKinnon and freshman outside hitter Claire Miller. McKinnon leads the team with 36 service aces and 368 digs, while Miller has recorded the most kills with 300 and is second with 24 service aces and 275 digs.
The Jumbos will look to counter the Williams attack by maintaining their dominant net game, which is fueled by their focus on communication and teamwork. Many of the Jumbos' victories during the regular season were a direct result of their chemistry on the court, especially during important points.
"Our mouths get our feet moving. That's something we've proved all year," head coach Cora Thompson said after the team's victory over Emerson College last week.
Nonetheless, it is important for Tufts to stay hungry and not try to do too much, something that has, at times, been a problem for the Jumbos.
"This year when we got in trouble it would be because we'd get too comfortable when we got a lead," Spieler said. "It is important that we maintain a sense of urgency and not relax when we get ahead."
If they beat Williams and then win their semifinal match, the Jumbos could potentially force a rematch with No. 1 Bowdoin, which enters the tournament with a 23−2 record and a flawless 10−0 mark in NESCAC matches. During their regular −season showdown, Bowdoin defeated Tufts in straight sets, and many members of the team are eager to play them again and earn their revenge.
"We want [the opportunity] to play Bowdoin again and beat them this time," Spieler said.
But before they look forward to playing Bowdoin in the championship, the Jumbos must concentrate on winning their quarterfinal and semifinal matches.
"It's a match by match process as far as I'm concerned, but we are very excited," Nicholas said.
