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Brandeis University's Community Newspaper — Waltham, Mass.

Women’s volleyball finishes second at Springfield Invitational

Published: September 11, 2009
Section: Sports


DEFENDING THE COURT: Captain Abby Blasco ‘11 going for a dig in the game against Wellesley this week.<br /><i>PHOTO BY Phil Small/The Hoot</i>

DEFENDING THE COURT: Captain Abby Blasco ‘11 going for a dig in the game against Wellesley this week.
PHOTO BY Phil Small/The Hoot

The Brandeis women’s volleyball team has started off the season with a bang, moving up to a 5-1 record including a 3-1 record at the Springfield College Invitational over the weekend which earned them a second place finish.

Outside hitter Paige and setter Abby Blasco ’11 were named to the All Tournament team for their outstanding play. In addition they defeated Wellesley on the road Tuesday 3-1.

The Judges defeated Roger Williams University Hawks in the opening game of the tournament Friday night in four sets. Brandeis won the first set 25-18, dropped the second 14-25, and came back to win the next two 25-13 and 26-24.

Both Paige Blasco and inside hitter Piera Carfagno ’10 recorded a double-double during the game to help the Judges come out on top. Rookie libero Anna Homitsky ’13 topped the defense with 13 digs, followed by Paige who had 12 digs as well as a match-high 17 kills. Carfagno, a co-captain on the squad, had 11 kills and 10 digs.

Their match the following morning against Lasell College seemed easy in comparison to the previous night.

The Judges took down Lasell in straight sets, 25-11, 25-10, 25-10.

Abby Blasco, who shares co-captain duties with Carfagno, had a double-double with 28 assists and 11 digs while sister Paige had 5 digs and 8 kills. Like the previous night, a rookie was one of the top players. Middle blocker Becca Fischer ’13 put up 11 kills and four blocks.

Paige Blasco had her second double-double of the season and tournament later Saturday with 15 kills and 12 digs in their win over Westfield State.

As with their game earlier in the day, this win came in straight sets, 25-10, 25-23, 25-14. The Judges, undefeated in the tournament, went on to fall in the final game against host Springfield.

ATTACKING THE BALL: Nicole Smith ‘11 spikes a shot against Wellesley on Tuesday.</i>

ATTACKING THE BALL: Nicole Smith ‘11 spikes a shot against Wellesley on Tuesday.

Springfield won the first set 25-22, but Brandeis fought back to take a 2-1 lead by winning the next two sets 25-20, 25-17. Despite their best efforts, the Judges were not able to hold on and dropped the final two sets 25-23, 15-10.

Abby Blasco, like her sister earlier in the day, recorded her second double-double of the tournament with 40 assists and 15 digs. Paige paced the Judges with 19 kills, but was the only Brandeis player to make double-digits for kills. With the win, Springfield took home the Invitational crown.

After a long but successful weekend, the Judges faced the Wellesley College Blue on Tuesday.

The same strong play that helped them secure second place at the Invitational also got them the win against Wellesley. The Judges defeated the Blue 3-1, winning the first two sets 25-22 and 25-21, dropping the third 20-25, and picking up the fourth set in an easy 25-13 win. This was the first time Brandeis beat Wellesley in volleyball since 2006.

Twins Abby and Paige helped lead the Judges past their local rivals.

Abby recorded a double-double with 33 assists and 11 digs while Paige had a match-high 18 kills.

Carfagno had a team-high 17 digs and 11 kills. Brandeis fought hard for the first set win and were able to get the last three points when Wellesley committed a service error. Bridget McAllister ’10 served four straight points in the second set to help the Judges pull out to an early lead of two sets to none.

Although the Blue were able to pull off a win in the third set to hold off the shut out, they couldn’t keep the momentum going into the fourth set. While the set was tied at one point 9-9, the Judges got their act back together and dominated from that point forward, winning on a 16-4 run.

The Judges have the Brandeis Invitational this weekend, their home opening tournament. They will face Rhode Island College today at 4 p.m. and Williams College at 8 p.m.. The match-ups for Saturday will be determined by play on Friday.