Playing this weekend before an energetic home crowd that included many parents in town for Fall Fest, the women's volleyball team did not disappoint, upending four teams to win the 2006 Judges Classic. The Judges turned in decisive straight-set victories over Gordon College and Plymouth State University Friday and St. Joseph's College (Maine) and Endicott College Saturday. Middle blockers Piera Carfagno '10 and Bridget McAllister '10 were named to the all-tournament team and Carfagno was named Most Valuable Player.Starting with its 3-0 victory last Tuesday over Lasell College, Brandeis has now won 15 consecutive games, outscoring opponents by a total of 451-256. The Judges improved their overall record to 17-14, 2-5 in University Athletic Association play.

"We controlled every single match," coach Michelle Kim said. "Winning [every match] in three games is a clear sign we dominated."

Carfagno was able to sustain a high level of play despite being slowed by shin splints. Along with McAllister, Carfagno provides the team with a solid rookie core.

"The rookies bring a lot to the court," captain and libero Shannon Trees '08 said. "We have strong middle and exterior play."

Both Brandeis and Endicott were 3-0 heading into the championship game of the tournament Saturday. Endicott's record entering the final game was 22-11. Brandeis soundly beat the Gulls in straight games, 30-26, 31-29 and 30-16.

The Judges took a 19-13 lead in the first game, but Endicott, aided by relentless defense at the net, reduced the lead to just one point at 21-20. Coach Kim called a timeout to help her team regain composure. Kim's strategy worked wonders, as Brandeis took the next four points and held on to win.

"Endicott was a very big team," Kim said. "We knew they were going to block [our shots], so we had to adjust."

There were eight lead changes and seven ties within the first 21 points of play in a back-and-forth second game. Strong play by Carfagno, McAllister and outside hitter Lorraine Wingenbach '09 helped the Judges hold off a late Endicott rally, as Brandeis went up by two games in a 31-29 nail-biter.

Endicott never challenged Brandeis in the third game, as the Judges stormed out of the gate with an impressive 9-2 run. Brandeis led by as many as 17 before cruising to victory.

"Our offense was really strong," Trees said. "When you go on a run and keep the ball on our side, it's tough for [opposing] teams to come back."

Brandeis defeated St. Joseph's 30-10, 30-12, 30-15 earlier in the day to make the championship match.

The Judges opened the tournament Friday with a 30-16, 30-11, 30-21 victory over Gordon. Wigenbach and outside hitter Becca Schwartz '09 registered 15 and 10 digs, respectively. The team followed up with a 30-24, 30-19, 30-21 win over Plymouth State. Schwartz, Powers and McAllister each had 11 digs.

After entering the week 12-14, the Judges now stand three games above the .500 mark with momentum on their side heading into the UAA championships.

"We have to step it up for the UAAs," said McAllister. "We've been growing over the season. The big payoff is next weekend."

"We're peaking and keeping focus," Kim said. "We're a much stronger and tougher team."

The Judges look to improve upon their 2-5 league mark as they head to Pittsburgh for the UAA championships this weekend.