The Brandeis University women's volleyball team (4-1) began its season this week with high expectations and a high level of play. The squad carried that intensity into the championship match of the Springfield Invitational Tournament at Springfield, Mass. Although the Judges were defeated 3-0 in the final by host Springfield College, head coach Sheryl Sousa's crew showed signs that they have what it takes to be extremely successful this season.The Judges entered the weekend tournament fresh off a 3-0 win over Babson College on Wednesday. Each of the three games in that match proved relatively close victories for Brandeis, as they downed the Beavers 30-21, 30-15, 30-24. Co-captains Marni Kutok '04 and Jen Lobban '05 led Brandeis with 10 kills each in the match, while Shannon Eagan '05 had 21 assists in her collegiate debut as a middle hitter.

Given that strong pre-tournament performance, the Judges felt confident on Friday when they faced Western Connecticut State University in the first round of pool play. The match proved to be an intense one.

After winning the first game 30-15, the Judges lost the second game 31-29 before rallying to take the last two games 30-28 and 30-18 for the 3-1 win. Kutok had an outstanding game, leading the team with 13 kills and 17 digs, as well as serving two aces. Eagan also shined with a career-high 34 assists as well as 13 digs and three aces, while Lobban contributed eight kills, nine digs, and two blocks.

In the second round of pool play, Brandeis faced another challenge, this time from Rutgers-Newark University. The Judges would again play four close games before earning another 3-1 victory.

Brandeis lost the first game 30-24, but being behind for the first time this season did not faze the Judges as they came back to win 31-29, 30-25, and 31-29; it was the closest three-game stretch of the year thus far. Kutok led the Judges in three categories once again with 18 kills, 15 digs and three aces. Eagan continued to make it seem as if she has been playing middle hitter for her entire career, as she racked up 29 assists in addition to nine digs and two aces. Lobban was equally impressive, adding 11 digs, six kills and three blocks.

"The games on Friday night were both tough, long matches," Lobban said. "We had to fight for every point, yet were able to beat by remaining composed and working hard on what we had been practicing in the preseason."

With the original field of eight narrowed to four, Brandeis took on Suffolk University on Saturday in the tournament semifinals. This match would be the easiest of the tournament for the Judges, as they cruised to a 3-0 victory 30-12, 30-12, 30-11. Lobban had another 10 kills and Kutok had nine.

"Our game against Suffolk was less challenging, but it gave our freshman a chance to make a contribution on the court," Isabel de Koninck said. "We played with a lot of intensity and that allowed us to stay competitive and come out on top of our pool."

Later that day, however, the Judges would face their toughest opponent of the season, Springfield College, in the tournament final. Brandeis struggled against Springfield, losing 3-0. The first game of the match was particularly difficult for Brandeis as they lost 30-16. They put up a good fight in the second and third games but still fell 30-26, 30-22. The Judges had particular difficulty with Springfield's offense, accumulating 28 attacking errors.

"I think we saw our serve receiving break down a little bit," Sousa said. "They ran a pretty fast offense and when you play a faster team they keep you off balance on defense."

Despite the loss in the final, the positives easily exceeded the negatives for Brandeis in the tournament. First, the team displayed its trademark strong defense, averaging nearly 20 digs per game in the tournament.

"The team is getting along very well and pulling together - really playing 'like a team,'" Lobban said. "We all realize each others' strengths and weaknesses on the court and are using that knowledge to play our best."

Brandeis' veteran leadership has also been on display, with all of the starters performing at very high levels, especially Kutok and Lobban, who were selected to the All-Tournament squad, and Eagan, who looked like an old pro at her new position.

Lastly, even though the loss in the final was disappointing, it served as a learning experience for the Judges. "We need to focus on defending against a tougher offense and (improving) our stamina," Kutok added.

Coach Sousa is very happy with where the team is right now and expects to bounce back from the loss and move forward towards greater success.

"I'm very pleased with where we are right now," she remarked. "My expectations are pretty high given that we have an experienced group, but I think we played very well this weekend. I was very pleased with how the team responded."

Sousa also plans no major adjustments for the immediate future. According to the coach, she simply intends to "continue to improve and make our game stronger."

Overall, the volleyball team found this week to be very encouraging.

"I think that our play indicates some very positive things for the prospects of this season," de Koninck said.

The next two games for the volleyball team are at home on Saturday. The first is against Endicott College at 11, the second is against Clark University at 3.