Yale Athletics

This past weekend, the Yale women’s volleyball team (1–2,0–0) started the season with a mini-tournament in Charleston, South Carolina. 

The team lost to its first two opponents, the University of the Pacific (2–2,0–0) and the College of Charleston (2–2,0–0), with a 3–2 score. The Elis came back in the third game, crushing the University of South Carolina Upstate (0–7,0–0) in a 3–0 win.

“It felt great to end the tournament with such a strong showing,” said right side hitter Betsy Goodenow ’27. “Everyone was contributing and our middles were outstanding. I can’t wait to show what we can do in the Ivy League this year. The competition is always tough and we look forward to each game.”

Emerging victorious as the Ivy League Champions last year, the Bulldogs were eager to showcase their skills in this two-day tournament outside of the conference. 

Although the Bulldogs ultimately fell to both the University of the Pacific and the College of Charleston, they had a strong first showing on the court. 

After losing the first set against Pacific, Yale posted two wins in their following sets. The team lost the momentum in the fourth and fifth sets allowing Pacific to win the game. 

Similarly, in the second game against Charleston, the Bulldogs lost their first set, won their second set, lost their third set and won their fourth set. Coming into the fifth set tied, the team folded, losing 13–15.

However, on Saturday the Bulldogs lived up to their Ivy League Champion name and delivered blow after blow to the USC Upstate team delivering a crushing 3–0 upset.

“Ending the tournament with a sweep was an amazing feeling,” said setter Bethanie Wu ’28. “We really stayed focused and committed to [the] game plan we made from scouting reports. I think it showed off how much work we have been putting in, and it was nice seeing it all come together.” 

While the team did not have a winning weekend, some players reached their personal all-time bests. 

Laurece Abraham ’27 had a career-high 14 kills and hit .684 with only one error on 19 swings. 

Goodenow had 42 kills and 33 digs in the three matches. She earned her spot on the all-tournament team following the third game against the Upstate Spartans. 

Cara Shultz ’25 now has 114 service aces in her career and ranks eighth all-time in program history. She is two aces away from tying for the sixth all-time spot. 

Head Coach Erin Appleman told the News she was excited about the team’s prospects for the upcoming season.

Up until this past weekend, the Bulldogs have had eleven practices so far, significantly less than the opponents they faced, according to Appleman.

“I am excited to get back in the gym and continue to work on things we need to work on and prepare for three more matches this weekend against tough competition,” Appleman said. “We would love to have a great crowd for this weekend’s matches.” 

This upcoming weekend the Bulldogs will host Yale Invitational at home in the Payne Whitney Gymnasium. Fairfield University, Villanova University and Colgate University will arrive in New Haven for the invitational.