Bates Volleyball Falls to Colby in Five-Set Season Closer
The Bobcats won the first two sets but lost the final three against the No. 3 ranked team, finishing with an 11-9 record.
By James Mitchell ·
Bates volleyball lost its final regular season match on Saturday, Oct. 31. The team fell to Colby in a five-set contest at Underhill Arena. Colby ranks second in the NESCAC and third nationally. The Bobcats finished the season with an overall record of 11-9 and a conference mark of 2-8.
The game served as the final contest for three seniors: Isabel Bettencourt, Sofia Castiglioni, and Logan Yogi. The arena hosted friends, family, and President Gerry Jenkins for the Halloween Day event. The team honored the three players before the start of play. Castiglioni had been named Bobcat of the Week and NESCAC Co-Player of the Week in September.
Bates controlled the opening two sets. The Bobcats won the first set 25-23 in a tight contest that featured nineteen ties. The second set ended with a similar 25-23 score. Castiglioni recorded twelve kills during the match.
Colby regained momentum in the third and fourth sets. The visiting team won both of those matches by a score of 25-16. The tie set the stage for a deciding fifth set.
Colby won the final set 15-10 to secure the match. Logan Yogi returned to the roster this year after stepping back during her junior year due to injuries. She described the team's mindset as one of playing without hesitation. Castiglioni noted that the team knew they needed to bring their best effort against a high-caliber opponent.
The loss concluded the season for the Bobcats. The team's record stands at 11 wins and 9 losses. The three seniors completed their final game together in front of a full house at Underhill Arena.
