The Vassar women’s volleyball team is finishing up a successful regular season, which first started in September against Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is now preparing to head into playoffs. As one the top teams in the Liberty League, they hold a 14-9 overall record and a 6-2 record in conference play. The team is also currently on a three-game win streak after a successful weekend in upstate New York, defeating St. Lawrence University and SUNY Potsdam, as well as a home win against Union last Wednesday, Oct. 25. Thanks to this successful season, the women’s volleyball team is set to host the first round of playoffs at Vassar.
Through written correspondence with The Miscellany News, team members Molly Ardren ’25 and Morgan Miller ’25 explained that the team’s success has stemmed from multiple factors. Ardren, who plays setter, explained that most importantly, the team is driven and dedicated to winning. “This team has a lot of fight,” she said. “We have had some challenges and proven that we can play when our backs are against the wall.” Miller, an outside hitter, agreed and added that everyone on the team is supportive of each other. “I love this team. We have each other’s backs and we are honest with each other,” she said. “Everyone on this team is competitive, yet knows when to reel it in.”
Along with these values, both Ardren and Miller commented on the importance of the first-year class. This year, the team brought in three first-year players: Maura McAusland, Holland Kaplan and T Petro. Currently, all three are in the team’s starting lineup and have contributed in every phase of the game. “I am really impressed with some of the younger players’ abilities to rise to the occasion when the stakes are high and play fiercely,” said Ardren. Miller added, “I think the first years on this team really contribute to the great team dynamic this year. They are amazing additions to the team and I just think they are all amazing players and incredible people.”
Though the first-years have proved their importance to the success of the team, the team’s achievements are a collective effort, especially on a roster with only 13 players. “We also have a really fluid line up, meaning that a lot of people get playing time, making us really hard to predict and play against,” Ardren said. When everyone on the roster is able to contribute to the success of the team, opponents have a tougher time because a wealth of players makes a team versatile.
Also important this year has been the team’s bond and chemistry, which is strong thanks at least in part to the team’s October Break trip to Puerto Rico. Having the opportunity to travel as a group and experience something new and exciting together helped further relationships that had been forming throughout the season. “Taking a training trip to Puerto Rico really brought us closer together,” Ardren said. “We are only a 13-person roster so I have really gotten to know everyone on an individual level as well.” Miller also noted that the trip to Puerto Rico was a valuable playing experience because the opportunity to play against new teams with new skill sets provided a space for the Vassar team to learn and improve in order to continue on their successful season. “Being able to play in Puerto Rico was such a unique opportunity and it is always so amazing to be able to play volleyball with teams that we would never normally be able to play,” she said.
Along with the trip to Puerto Rico, both Miller and Ardren said another highlight of the season so far was Vassar’s 3-1 win against the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) on Oct. 20. “The highlight for me was definitely beating RIT last weekend,” Ardren said. “They are a team that we have historically struggled to overcome so it was really fun to show them what we are made of now.” The 3-2 win against Union College on Oct. 25 was also a significant win. It did not go exactly how the team hoped it would, but it was an opportunity to demonstrate the team’s culture. “The Union game was a really good example of our ability to fight,” Ardren said. “We came out strong in the first set and beat them pretty easily, but once they upped their game we began to fall behind a little. However we didn’t let their ability to step up stop us from staying aggressive and pulling out the win.”
She also noted the importance of home court advantage, which the team now looks to take advantage of in the first round of playoffs. “The energy in Kenyon is always an advantage for us as well,” Ardren said. “The men’s volleyball program consistently supports us which is fun since they really understand the game and can get the rest of the crowd hyped for big plays. I also love to see other women’s teams at our games, and I hope our team is able to show up for them once we are out of season.” Miller agreed that the high energy and attendance is greatly valued. The Union game was a white-out, so fans showed up in white to support Vassar. Miller commented, “It was so exciting to see the white-out in the stands. I love to see our student body out and supporting Vassar athletics, even more so when the support is for my team!”
As the regular season comes to a close, the Vassar women’s volleyball team still has a few more games before playoffs start, including their Senior Day against Marywood University on Saturday, Nov. 4 at 4 p.m. in Kenyon Hall. The team is looking forward to playoffs and are excited to show off what they have been working towards. “I am very excited for playoffs,” Miller said. “I have been here three seasons and this is the second time we have made it to playoffs. With a few more matches left, I wanna get a few more wins under our belt and this team is more than ready to deliver.”