The volleyball team's trip to New York this weekend proved disappointing, as the Bears fell to both Columbia and Cornell. After the weekend, the Bears dropped to 4-12 this season and 0-5 in the Ivy League.
"It was really disappointing to lose on the road after traveling all the way to New York, but we definitely had times where we reached our full potential," said Brianna Williamson '11.
Although the scoreboard may have said otherwise, the Bears had some of their best personal performances this season.
"Moira Gallagher ('10) and Katrina Post ('13) were two of the girls who really stepped up," Williamson said. "They both had an unbelievable match against Cornell, and that was really inspiring to watch." Co-captain Gallagher and Post both earned a season-high in kills, notching 12 and nine kills, respectively.
The Bears took a 1-0 lead against the Lions Friday night, with a 25-23 win in the first set. But Columbia quickly retaliated, taking the next three sets, 25-21, 21-15 and 21-17, for a 3-1 victory. Columbia advances to 11-7 on the season and 2-3 in the Ivy League.
Williamson led Brown's attack with a team-high 12 kills, as well as nine digs and two assists. Brown's defense was particularly strong against the Lions, as Carly Cotton '13 anchored the team with 18 digs. Christina Berry '13 totaled 14 digs, in addition to her seven kills and a block assist. Kim Bundick '10 added 13 more digs.
After a long drive, the Bears took on Cornell the following afternoon. The Big Red took an early 1-0 lead with a 25-16 decision in the first set, and a much closer 25-21 win in the second. Gaining momentum with each set, the Bears capitalized on a 16-10 lead in the third set for a 25-17 win. The third set would prove to be their best of the weekend, as again their efforts in the fourth set fell short. The Big Red finished the fourth with a 25-23 decision, and a 3-1 final for the match. Cornell improves to 6-11 on the season and 3-2 in the Ivy League.
"We have more things to work on, but if we can play the way we did the third set of Cornell we'll really excel as a team," Williamson said.
Gallagher stepped up to record a season-high 12 kills and seven digs. Post, with nine kills and 11 digs, had her strongest game of the season. Cotton continued to hold down the Bears' defense with a team-high 25 digs, and Spencer McAndrews '12 recorded 37 assists.
The Bears are back at home this weekend, as they take on Harvard Friday night at 7 p.m., and Dartmouth Saturday at 4 p.m. in the Pizzitola Center.
