By Sophie Afdhal, Sports Editor||
Women’s volleyball finished up a strong season this week with an overall 21-12 winning record. The wins include a Centennial Conference Championship which secured them a spot in the NCAA tournament.
The Lady Dips faced off against the Muhlenberg College Mules and dropped them 3-2 (19-25, 25-15, 25-10, 20-25, 15-12).
This is the team’s first Championship since they defeated Swarthmore College in 2010 and their 6th title in the team’s history.
Along with the title, senior captain and setter Caroline Hubbard was awarded tournament MVP. In the finals, she completed with 50 assists and 15 digs. Hubbard was humbled by her recognition.
“To be honest, I had no idea I was going to get that award,” said Hubbard, “I’ve had the privledge of playing with and against some really talented volleyball players in the conference this season, so I felt really honored to be the recipent.”
As a captain and four year team member, Hubbard was also pleased with how her final season turned out.
“It’s been my goal since day one of being a member of this team to get a Centennial Conference Championship, and to get that in my last season with this great group of girls honestly has made my senior year,” said Hubbard, “In the beginning, the season seemed really rough and it definitely had its ups and downs. This time three weeks ago, my teammates and I thought we had no hope of making the Conference playoffs. But we did it and kind of overcame the impossible!”
After winning the CC championships, the team travelled to Springfield, Ohio to face off against the number two team in the country, Hope College.
F&M unfortunately fell to Hope 3-0 but put forth a strong competition and battled for every point. Hubbard sees their trip to the NCAAs in a fully positive light.
“Making it to the NCAAs was incredible,” said Hubbard, “We weren’t too thrilled that we were chosen to play the #2 team in the nation, because we knew it would be a battle. But regardless of the outcome of that game, we were all so happy to have made it this far. So having that opportunity, win or lose was really special.”
Volleyball had a very strong season and to clinch a Centennial Conference Championship is only positive for the college and the future of the program.
Senior Sophie Afdhal is the Sports
Editor. Her email is safdhal@fandm.edu.