Bates Volleyball Sweeps Williams 3-1 for First NESCAC Victory
Bates volleyball secured its first NESCAC win against Williams, extending a perfect season record to 7-0 in a packed Underhill Arena.
Key points
- Bates volleyball defeated Williams 3-1 to secure their first NESCAC win and maintain a 7-0 season record.
- Elle Faris and Alice Fischer provided key offensive plays, including aces and kills, to help the Bobcats take the lead.
- Sophia Castigilioni highlighted the team's ability to reset after losing the second set and maintain focus in the fourth.
The air in Underhill Arena hummed with the friction of sneakers gripping the polished wood. On Saturday, September 19, the Bobcats volleyball team converted that electric energy into a 3-1 victory over Williams, marking their first win in NESCAC play and extending their season record to a flawless 7-0. The crowd, packed tight against the bleachers, roared with every serve, witnessing a roster built on fresh chemistry and relentless consistency.
Early Momentum Shifts on the Court
Bates seized control immediately, sprinting out to a 4-0 lead before outside hitter Elle Faris ‘28 extended the gap to 7-1 with a hard kill that forced a Williams timeout. Although the Ephs clawed back with consecutive aces, Bates maintained a four-point cushion through the middle of the set, closing the first game 25-20. The momentum swung sharply in the second set, however, as Williams’ attack overwhelmed the Bobcats’ defense, securing a 25-18 win to tie the match.
Resetting After a Set Loss
The tie at 1-1 raised the stakes, but the Bobcats refused to let the loss rattle their composure. Setter Alice Fischer ‘30 opened the third set with a service ace, signaling a return to form. As Williams committed multiple attack errors, Bates pulled away to a 23-16 lead, eventually closing the set 25-17. Middle blocker Sophia Castigilioni ‘27 noted the team’s ability to reset, stating they focused on playing their game and having fun rather than dwelling on the previous set.
Securing the Match Point
With the match in the balance, the fourth set became a display of sustained pressure. Castigilioni struck the opening kill, and the Bobcats fed off the crowd’s energy to build a 5-0 lead. Despite Williams trimming the deficit to six points on Bates’ attacking errors, the Purple Cows’ final service error handed the Bobcats the decisive point, sealing a 25-14 victory. As reported by thebatesstudent.com, the finish highlighted the team’s resilience and effective communication under pressure.
