The Brandeis volleyball team returned after a long offseason break. The team is evidently highly motivated to win and has had a great start to their season. The team began by traveling to Claremont, Calif. to open their season at the 2018 Pacific Coast Classic.

Redlands 1, Judges 3

The Judges and the University of Redlands Bulldogs split the first two sets of the day in a very close fashion. However, as the match went on, Brandeis only got stronger, winning each subsequent set by wider and wider margins. The Judges’ dominance in this game comes from the team’s work at the service line, where they delivered 17 aces in the match, compared to only four from University of the Redlands. The Judges also out-hit the Bulldogs  .224 (a season high) to .192. Emma Bartlett ’20 was the star of the weekend, performing well in games against University of the Redlands and the team of Claremont-Mudd-Scripps. Rookie Stephanie Borr ’22 led all players with a career-high 13 kills to make an immediate impact for the Judges. 

Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 3, Judges 2

The Judges did not find success against the Athenas, a team comprised of players  from three different California colleges: Claremont McKenna College, Harvey Mudd College and Scripps College. The Judges found themselves with their backs against the wall early, falling behind two sets to none. However, they would even the score soon enough, rallying to win the next two sets and bring the game to a winner-take-all fifth set. After a close and contentious match where the lead never exceeded two, the Athenas took the fifth set and the match.  

Mount Aloysius 0, Judges 3

In their second game of the season, the team recorded its first sweep against Mount Aloysius College. The team did not trail at all for the first two sets, making easy work of the Chargers. In the third set, the Judges found themselves down 16-14, but after an 11-3 run were able to seal the set and win. This was another good team win, highlighted by the work of rookies Stephanie Borr ’22 and Kaisa Newberg ’22. 

Union College 1, Judges 3

After the first two sets, the teams had a split decision, but the Judges were able to win sets three and four to achieve their first win of the new season. The Judges had a fantastic team performance, with four players averaging double digits in digs, two of which were double doubles. Setter Marlee Nork ’19 finished with 42 assists and 11 digs, just two assists shy of her career best. Outside hitter Clare Meyers ’21 led the team, achieving 12 kills and 16 digs. 

Looking ahead, the Judges are home for their next three matches, starting with matches against University of Maine at Presque Isle  and Bowdoin College next Friday evening.