The volleyball team turned in an up-and- down performance this weekend at the Crabtree Classic at Eastern Connecticut State University, in the end managing to finish tied for second place of five teams. The Judges split their matches during both days of the competition, defeating Salve Regina University and falling to Southern Wesleyan University Friday, while knocking off Johnson and Wales University and coming up short against Eastern Connecticut Saturday. The team is 8-9 on the season.

"We could have played a lot better," captain Shannon Trees '08 said. "We're still trying to play consistently at a high level, and we have a lot of work to do."

Brandeis showcased intensity during its victory over Johnson and Wales Saturday. After being defeated 3-1 by the Wildcats in the opening round of the Amherst Invitational Sept. 22, the team was eager for revenge. The team got that in a dominant sweep, 30-23, 30-22, and 30-24.

"We were pumped up and played one of our best matches of the season," outside hitter Katie Wrynn '08 said. "You could feel the intensity. After every play we'd cheer loudly. We were literally rolling around after certain kills."

Middle blocker Piera Carfagno's '10 solid play stood out, as she had nine kills, seven aces and four blocks. Trees added 13 digs and middle blocker Bridget McAllister '10 had 12 kills.

The Judges could not carry the momentum into their next match Saturday, as Eastern Connecticut dispatched them in four games. Brandeis dropped the first two games 30-22 and 30-24 before fighting back to salvage the third, 30-25. But Eastern Connecticut was too much to handle, rebounding to take the fourth game 30-24. Carfagno and Trees tallied 12 kills and 14 blocks, respectively.

"It was our worst match," coach Michelle Kim said.

Friday started out for the Judges with a 3-2 loss to Southern Wesleyan. Brandeis took the first and fourth games 30-28 and 30-25, while Southern Wesleyan seized the second and third contests, 34-32 and 30-23. The Warriors took the fifth and deciding game, 15-9. Carfagno racked up 18 kills and nine service aces, while Trees added 21 digs.

Brandeis had a golden opportunity to take control early, holding a 16-12 lead at one point in the second game.

"We have a lot of lapses that last too long and let teams back into games," Ashley Powers '08 said.

The Judges rebounded with an easy sweep of Salve Regina, 30-20, 30-14 and 30-11, ending the Judges' four-match losing streak. Outside hitter Lorraine Wingenbach '09 totaled 11 kills, while setter Violette Ruggiero '09 added 29 set assists and seven digs in the blowout.

"There was no chance for [Salve Regina] to fight back," Trees said.

Kim saw the tournament as indicative of the team's progress.

"It was a nice thing to see [the team] execute the things we worked on in practice," Kim said. "Young teams go through growing pains, but we are heading in a positive direction."

Carfagno, who was named to her second all-tournament team this season, echoed Kim's sentiments.

"We were more consistent than [we have been] in past tournaments," she said. "We were more energized."

The Judges visit Tufts University Tuesday, and then face a pivotal University Athletic Association round robin tournament over the weekend in Chicago.