The women’s volleyball team played in a 6 team tournament at UMass Dartmouth on Saturday and came away with a record of 1-2. Their overall record this fall for UMass Boston was University of New England and this match went the distance lasting five games. UMass ultimately bested UNE but the long match was a fierce one, UMass winning the first game then dropping the next two. They lost the second game 30-23, and the 3rd 30-18 and looked like they were fading but they won game 4 30-25 and then demolished New England University 15-5 in the tie-breaking 5th game.

The Beacons win was lead by great games from Laurel Smith and Gina Torres. The defense was solid all around and the squad was ready for its round 2 opponent, UMass Dartmouth, a team having a very successful year at 18-4. One of those losses came from UMass Boston, but this game was not going to be a continuation of an earlier UMB victory.

UMass Dartmouth won the contest in three games, but it was by no means a blowout; UMass Boston lost the entire match by only 13 points, keeping it close in every game. Both teams played well, attacking aggressively, and reacting quickly on defense. The main factor in the Dartmouth win was their bench. The UMass Beacons did not have a bench, and UMass Dartmouth had a deep one. The earlier 5 set game against UNE was a huge factor as it was now taking its toll on UMB. UMass Dartmouth took advantage of the numbers with plenty of substitutions; while the beacons were forced to run marathons the Corsairs could run wind sprints.

UMass was into the tournament playoffs as second seed in their platoon after first place UMass Dartmouth. They were up against Babson College another platoon winner with depth, and another team that beat UMass Boston in three games. The first game was a 14-30 blowout. That woke up the Beacons and they fought for the second game but lost it 36-30. UMass lead in the 3rd game and had the momentum but Babson was tenacious and won a squeaker, 34-32.

Great play all day by the whole team especially Laurel Smith, and Gina Torres who throughout the day accounted for a majority of the Beacons’ points. The Beacons played solid defense and offense and it is impossible not to speculate what their record would be if they had a few decent substitutions.

The UMass Dartmouth Corsairs eventually won the day. They trounced Roger Williams in the semifinals and killed Babson in the finals winning the tourney and picking up 4 wins.