The Brandeis women’s volleyball team earned the win on Senior Day in Auerbach Arena, defeating Springfield College 3-1. Outside hitter Lara Verstovsek ’25 had 15 kills, while senior leader Kaitlyn Oh ’22 led the match with 21 digs.
Emily Morrison ’23 helped rally her team back in the first set, as the Judges trailed 7-4; Morrison’s ace helped spark a mini-run for the Judges; Brandeis was able to sustain this momentum as they went on to win eight of the next nine to lead the Judges 16-12. The first match was extremely competitive, as Springfield regained the lead in the final possessions of the set, resulting in a one-point advantage over the Judges, 22-21. Verstovsek and Kaisa Newberg ’22 tallied two kills each following a Springfield service error that restored the Judges’ advantage, leading 24-22. Ultimately, the Judges took the first set off an error by their opponent.
While the Judges fell to Springfield in the second set, Brandeis dominated in the next two sets, specifically the third set, as the Judges tallied 13 kills; the momentum was sparked by an early kill by outside hitter Verstovsek, and Amelia Oppenheimer ’23 continued to propel the Judges forward, as she scored five of her 14 kills in the third set.
Springfield College took an early lead in the fourth set, but Verstovsek quickly cut Springfield’s 9-4 lead to 10-8. Brandeis was unable to sustain the comeback, though, allowing Springfield to extend their lead to 19-12. The Judges exhibited heart and resilience on their home court, fighting back to win five of the next six points. Down 24-20, the Brandeis women’s squad instilled their trust in Ella Pereira ’24, who served them to victory, sealing the deal on an ace.
Overall, the Judges had 45 digs and defended the net brilliantly, totaling nine blocks. Individually, Verstovsek had an impressive all-around performance, as she totaled 15 kills, four aces, 15 digs and four block assists. Ines Grom-Mansencal ’24 played well, too, adding 39 assists and 15 digs.
The win over Springfield was meaningful, as it allowed the Judges’ six seniors to conclude their collegiate volleyball careers at Brandeis University with a win on their home court. The Judges honored Avery Donovan, Belle Scott, Emerson White, Kaitlyn Oh, Kaisa Newberg and Stephanie Borr, who all contributed to the success of the Brandeis women’s volleyball program over the last four years.
These six seniors will lead their team to the UAA Championship on Friday, Nov. 5, where the Judges will face Emory University at Case Western Reserve University.
