Volleyball defeats Westminster College 3-2

The Carnegie Mellon women's volleyball team ended its successful home schedule with a comeback victory Saturday as the team beat the Westminster College Titans 3–2. After losing the first two games, the Tartans won the next three games to grab the win, improving their record to 19–14.
Before the game, seniors Chisom Amaechi, Liz DeVleming, and Julianne Bierwirth were honored as a part of the Senior Day celebration. They were given flowers from the team in what Amaechi called a “sad and emotional” final home game.

In the first game, the Tartans were down as the Titans went up 13–8. However, the Tartans went on an 11–5 scoring run to take the lead 19–18. From there, the Titans took over the first game and won it with a score of 25–21.

The second game was tightly contested as the game required extra points. This game was very similar to the first as the Tartans were down 20–15 late. With the help of the ensuing 9–4 scoring run, they managed to tie the game at 24 points apiece. At this crucial point, the Titans came through and scored the next two points, placing the Tartans in a two-game disadvantage.

The next three games were a complete turnaround for the Tartans as they completed their come-from-behind victory. While Westminster College failed to capitalize on their chances to shut out the Tartans, the team, with the help of Amaechi, managed to win the third game 25–23.

The fourth game saw a similar trend as there were many lead changes; but the Tartans pulled away late in the penultimate game of the match with a 4–0 scoring run to win the game 25–21.

Riding the momentum from the previous two games and the scoring streak from the fourth game, the Tartans started the fifth and final game with a lead and never looked back.

After accumulating an 11–6 edge, they cruised through to win the final game with a 15–13 victory and their 19th match of the season.

Sophomore libero Cameron Griffin was a crucial part of the victory as she amassed 30 digs. Along with her was junior setter Samantha Carter, who racked up more than 50 assists and 10 digs. Sophomore Aislinn McCloskey led the team with 20 kills during the match. Sophomore Caroline Size and Amaechi also achieved double digits in kills with 15 and 14, respectively.

Down 0–2, “I told them to get focused and to go do their jobs and get this done,” coach Kim Kelly said. “I told them during practice they were going to have to come and play, and they finally focused and played after being down.”

Next week, the Tartans travel to St. Louis to participate in the University Athletic Association (UAA) championship tournament. “We are in a nice pool and I am confident about the UAA tournament,” Kelly said. “We have a definite chance in this tournament.”