The women’s volleyball team struggled this weekend as they dropped three of the four tough games they played.

Brandeis showed their massive potential early on with a dominating 3-0 victory over Regis College (Mass.) on Friday.  However, they lost their momentum, and the match against Bowdoin College later that day, in straight sets.  The Judges then dropped both games Saturday, losing 3-1 against both Tufts University and Endicott College.

Judges 1, Endicott 3

Brandeis looked strong out of the gate against Endicott after winning the first set 25-17 but lost the next three, and the match, by scores of 19-25, 17-25 and 20-25.

Despite the loss, outside hitter Shea Decker-Jacoby ’19 led the way with seven kills and had an astounding .462 kill percentage.  Outside hitter Grace Krumpack ’19 and libero Yvette Cho ’19 were dependably clutch on defense, registering 17 and 16 digs, respectively.  Setter Leah Pearlman ’19 took charge with two service aces and added 10 digs of her own in the match. 

The individual talent on the squad is unquestioned and on display every match, but the Judges are still working to collectively harness their abilities.  In taking the first set, Brandeis showed that they have the potential to be a dominant force.  It is still early in the season, though, and only time will tell whether the team will be able to pull it together.

Judges 1, Tufts 3

Brandeis struggled earlier that day against Tufts, losing the match by narrow scores of 25-18, 18-25, 14-25 and 12-25.  

Again, the Judges’ potential was on full display early in the match.  Going in as underdogs, they fought fiercely and were able to take the first set with ease against the Jumbos.  However, there is still work to be done in this early part of the season, as the squad dropped the next three sets once again by wide margins.

Judges 0, Bowdoin 3

The day before, the Judges were unable to get it going against Bowdoin and narrowly lost the match in straight sets by  scores of 22-25, 21-25, and 17-25.

Bowdoin maintained a higher kill percentage throughout the entire match.  Despite the Judges’ .333 percentage in the third and final set, Bowdoin impressively closed it out at .476.  Middle hitter Emma Bartlett ’20 was tied for the lead on either team with nine kills, and Pearlman led the Judges with 16 assists to go along with her five digs.    

Although the Judges are now on a three-game losing streak, they showed just how good they could truly be with a shutout victory against Regis on Friday morning. 

The team has many gifted athletes with remarkable instinct and talent.  They have extremely strong leadership in the form of their two captains, middle hitter Jessica Kaufman ’17 and sophomore standout Cho.  

They have all the pieces they need to come together as a force to be reckoned with.  Although the season is still young, the potential for greatness is there. The Judges will soon need to figure out what steps have to be taken for them to find success on the court.

The Judges will look to bounce back this coming Wednesday at 7 p.m. in a tough matchup against University of Massachusetts Boston.