The visiting team from nearby UMass Boston swept Brandeis during their senior day celebration, dropping the non-conference match 0-3. Despite a push in a thrilling second set that was forced to 36-34, the Judges could not connect with the first set ending 25-15 and the third 25-19. This loss puts Brandeis at a record of 11-16 as UMass Boston propels to 17-8 on the season.
In the first set, the Beacons got ahead early, overwhelming the Judges with a 16-6 start. Undeterred, Brandeis continued their attack but could not fully come back, dropping the set by a margin of 10 points. In an effort to tie up the match, the Judges came out in full force for the second set, leading the Beacons 15-10 in the middle of the contest. However, the visitors made a late push, forcing multiple lead changes that extended the set past the usual 25 point allowance. There were eight set points, but ultimately, UMass Boston took the win over Brandeis with a score of 36-34. This was the Judges’ longest set of the season. Lastly, in the third set, Brandeis kept the competition close, but ultimately, the Beacons completed their sweep. The set was all tied up at 9-9, but the final score resulted in defeat for the Judges.
From the stat line, the majority of the kills came from Emma Bartlett ’20 and Sports Editor for The Brandeis Hoot Shea Decker-Jacoby ’19, who had nine and eight respectively. With assists, Marissa Borgert ’21 totaled 16, while Marlee Nork ’19 added in another ten. Defensively, rookie Kaitlyn Oh ’22 had seven digs, and Grace Krumpack ’19 and Decker-Jacoby each contributed five.
Being the last home game of the regular season, the Judges honored their large senior class, as they competed for one final time in Red Auerbach Arena. The graduates include: Yvette Cho, Shea Decker-Jacoby, Kirsten Frauens, Jillian Haberli, Grace Krumpack, Marlee Nork, Leah Pearlman and Zara Platt.
When thinking back on their time at Brandeis, the class of 2019 reminisces on their four years spent traveling the country to play some of Division III’s best competition. For Decker-Jacoby, Nork, and Frauens, this also meant having the opportunity to compete in their respective hometowns, showing their family and friends what the team is really about.
These experiences go far beyond simply playing a sport, as Nork comments, “When going home to Chicago for UAA weekends, I got to show my teammates and best friends a place that means so much to me, all while playing volleyball, which is something really memorable.”
Similarly, Decker-Jacoby feels that time spent on the road with her teammates is invaluable, as it is these moments that translate to life off the court. She says, “Every part of the travel experience is something I will never forget. The chance to get to know my teammates beyond the gym influenced me to become a better player, teammate and person.”
Finding such pride and value in their connections with both the team and the sport itself, it is no surprise that this group has fundamentally changed the foundation on which Brandeis volleyball is built, using both their hard work and spirit to foster a new culture that will lead future Judges to success, even after they graduate. As Frauens puts it, “We have built a culture of accountability, respect and love for each other, and I hope that continues.”
Values such as these permeate every team member, setting the tone for how the Judges carry themselves, both on and off the court. Looking ahead to life after volleyball, Cho remarks, “I hope the team continues to lead by example, play for each other, and most importantly, be good people to one another.”
As a whole, the class of 2019 has helped to build the program into what it is today, leaving a sense of strength and positivity behind as they prepare for their lives beyond Brandeis.
