In arguably its toughest stretch of games this season, the volleyball team faced off against four opponents in as many days, including two highly anticipated matches against Wellesley College and NESCAC counterpart Middlebury College. The run began last Wednesday with the Firedogs’ home opener in LeFrak against the Lions of Emerson College. A strong student contingent, led by the newly anointed Fun Police, showed up at LeFrak to cheer on the ‘Dogs, creating what sophomore defensive specialist Erin Camp described as an “incredible atmosphere.” Camp also noted that “it was probably the biggest crowd we’ve gotten for a home opener,” presumably a reflection of the team’s highly successful campaign last year.
“The crowd really pumped [the team] up,” said middle hitter Laura Hyman ‘11, adding that Amherst came into Wednesday’s match looking forward to playing at home. The adrenaline and excitement fueled a dominating performance by the Firedogs, who swept the Lions in straight sets, winning by a combined score of 75-38. “We played really well,” said Hyman. “Everybody contributed to the win.”
After Emerson, Amherst’s week didn’t get any easier. Forty-eight hours later, the Firedog’s were squaring off against NESCAC rival Middlebury at the Wellesley Quad. Because the game was part of a tournament, it didn’t count in NESCAC standings, but that didn’t make it any less important to the ‘Dogs, who played what Hyman called their “best game so far” en route to a three-set dismantling of the Panthers, winning each set by an average of eight points.
“We came out strong,” said Hyman. “We capitalized on our opportunities and didn’t give up anything to them.” Middlebury is no cupcake win either; Camp described them as “a good team [with] lots of potential ... I’m expecting them to do very well in the NESCAC this year.” She went on to add that the win was also important for the Firedogs because it provided the all-important momentum. “[We wanted to] get the tournament off on the right foot, especially since we knew we were playing Wellesley the next day.”
Wellesley was by far the most anticipated match of the season for Amherst. Both teams came into the game undefeated, and Wellesley had already created quite a buzz by beating perennial volleyball powerhouses Williams College and Wesleyan University earlier this season. The earlier wins were “definitely eye opening,” said Camp. “But we try not to pay attention to that kind of stuff ... We just went in wanting to play our best.”
Unfortunately, though, the Firedogs were not in top form Saturday afternoon, losing to the Blue in straight sets. “We lost our consistency,” said Camp. “[Wellesley] was very consistent ... They did the little things.” Hyman agreed: “[Wellesley] made very few mistakes ... There were places we could have capitalized but didn’t.”
As the old saying goes, however, champions aren’t defined by how they handle success, but by how they deal with defeat. And for the Firedogs to get to where they want to go—back to Chicago for the National finals—they are going to have to use setbacks such as this as chances to learn and improve.
“Obviously, we’re disappointed,” said Hyman. “There were a lot of things we weren’t happy with, but now we know what to improve upon. We’re taking it as a learning experience.” Camp echoed Hyman’s sentiments, calling the loss an “opportunity to improve and reach our goals.” Rest assured, too, that amongst those goals is an opportunity to exact revenge against the Blue. “We’re definitely hoping to play them at regionals,” said Camp. “And we’re also planning on making it that far—except this time, when we play them, we’ll be ready.”