In the quarterfinals of the Tournament, Amherst played the eighth-seeded Bowdoin Polar Bears. The 'Dogs rocketed to a two-games-to-nothing lead, pulling off back-to-back 30-22 victories. However, Amherst had to wait to celebrate, as the Polar Bears were able to capitalize on some Amherst errors and won the third frame 30-25. The Firedogs squelched the Bowdoin comeback, defeating the Polar Bears by eight points in the fourth and final game.
As usual, the Firedog offense was anchored by its trio of outside hitters: tri-captain seniors Whitney Kouvaris and Jaclyn DeMais and junior Claire Holton-Basaldua, who notched 14, 17 and 12 kills, respectively. DeMais made an impact on defense as well, tallying 15 digs. Five other Firedogs put up double figures in digs, led by rookie libero Rachel Yorke.
In its semifinal match, Amherst once again jumped out to an early lead, winning the first game against the Connecticut College Camels by a score of 30-18. The Camels were edged out in game two, losing 26-30. The 'Dogs let up in the third game and allowed their opponents to climb back in the match, and Amherst lost 25-30. In the final game of the match, the Firedogs worked to pull off the victory, outdoing the Camels 30-28 to win the match.
Yorke commanded the Amherst defense, totaling a season-high 41 digs. Kouvaris led by example, notching 24 kills and DeMais contributed on both offense and defense with 22 kills and 22 digs. Sisters Jackie Berkley '11 and tri-captain Julie Berkley '08 grabbed 10 blocks and three service aces, respectively, while rookie Erin Camp added three aces of her own.
The Firedogs entered the championship game of the NESCAC tournament ready to show up the Ephs. Unfortunately for the 'Dogs, the Ephs were just as ready. From the get-go of the first game, it was clear that the match would come down to the wire. Though Williams led for the first half of the game, Amherst battled back and finally took the lead at 16-15. The Firedogs couldn't fend off their opponents, however, and surrendered the first frame by a score of 27-30.
The 'Dogs knew they had to win the second game, and they did just that, pulling off a 30-27 win. The third game featured a dominant Williams team throughout the first two-thirds of the game. The 'Dogs could not get closer than five points until they finally broke the spell and won three straight points to trail by only three at 23-26. For the next six rallies the teams traded points, but Amherst finally pulled within two at 27-29. It looked as though the Firedogs had shrunk the gap to one until the referee reversed his call, giving Williams a game three victory.
Aided by the support of the home crowd, which began several "Lets go Amherst" cheers and multiple rounds of the wave, the Firedogs cruised to a six-point lead in the fourth. DeMais led the way for Amherst with spectacular play both offensively and defensively. With Amherst holding a 22-18 advantage, the 'Dogs showcased some excellent defensive play at the net, blocking a Williams spike to pull ahead by five points. The Ephs would not give up, however, and cut the deficit to two points. The 'Dogs continued their outstanding defense, exemplified by a crucial block to break a 25-25 tie. They never looked back, grabbing a 30-25 victory and forcing a fifth game.
Williams jumped out to an early 5-0 lead in the final game, placing the Firedogs in an impossibly deep hole. Amherst displayed incredible tenacity and heart and came within three points of the Ephs at 5-8 and 8-11. But Williams would not be outdone, and the Ephs overcame the Firedogs, winning the final game 15-9 to become the 2007 NESCAC Champions.
DeMais showed why she is many people's pick for NESCAC Player of the Year, totaling 25 kills, 35 digs and five blocks. Kouvaris, Holton-Basaldua and Jackie Berkley combined for 45 kills, while junior setter Sara Heller turned in a cool 59 assists. Heller and Julie Berkley showed their defensive skills, earning 22 and 18 digs, respectively, to help out Yorke, who notched a game-high 39 digs. The 'Dogs exhibited dominant blocking skills throughout the weekend, averaging six more blocks than their opponents, led by Jackie Berkley's 27 on the weekend. "We were focused and played hard, and it didn't go our way in the final match," said DeMais. "That's just how volleyball is ... you can play a great match, and a few points don't go your way, and you end up losing."
Though most believed that the Firedogs' season was over after the loss, the team was recognized for its exceptional talent, receiving an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. The players eagerly await the chance to avenge their conference loss, and will begin the journey when they take on Rivier College tomorrow at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.