VOLLEYBALL: Bulldogs triumph in thrilling wins against Colgate, Fairfield and Villanova
The Bulldogs showcased resilience and skill in a series of 3–2 victories, setting a positive tone for the season ahead.
Courtesy of Yale Athletics
The Yale women’s volleyball team delivered a spectacular performance this past weekend at the Yale Invitational as they emerged victorious in all three of their matches.
The Bulldogs, who had a challenging start to the season in Charleston, demonstrated their resolve and skill by defeating Colgate, Fairfield and Villanova, each with a 3–2 scoreline. The team’s resilience and adaptability were on full display as they navigated through a series of hard-fought matches, and they showcased their potential as they head into the thick of the season.
In their opening match of the Invitational, Yale faced off against Villanova.
The game was a thrilling back-and-forth battle, with both teams displaying their strengths. Yale emerged victorious after a gripping five-set encounter. The Bulldogs’ ability to execute crucial plays in the final set, coupled with strong performances from key players, such as Isabella Mendoza ’26, Laurece Abraham ’27 and Betsy Goodenow ’27, secured their first win of the tournament.
“Even though it’s my second season, the excitement never fades,” Abraham told the News. “It’s always a great feeling to get back on the court and see all our hard work pay off. I think we have a really strong team this year. We’ve been working well together, and there’s a lot of potential for us to have a great season. We’re all focused on improving and supporting each other.”
The second match saw Yale square off against Fairfield. Again, the Bulldogs were pushed to the limits, but their determination and tactical acumen shone through. Yale managed to clinch the match with a 3–2 victory, demonstrating their ability to maintain composure under the pressure of going to the fifth set multiple times.
Yale’s final match of the weekend was against Colgate. The Elis’ performance was marked by their exceptional teamwork. The Bulldogs’ versatility and depth were evident as they battled through a closely contested game, ultimately securing a decisive 3–2 win, closing the Invitational on a high note.
“It is really early in the season; we need to work on our consistency,” Coach Erin Appleman said. “We worked really hard this weekend; [we] did not always play our best but found a way to win. We did have some great moments, especially from the veteran players.”
The Bulldogs’ successful weekend at the Yale Invitational sets a promising tone for the remainder of the season. With a blend of experienced leadership and emerging talent, Yale appears poised for a strong showing in the upcoming Ivy League matches.
As they look ahead, the Bulldogs will carry the momentum from this invitational into their future games, with high expectations and a renewed sense of confidence. The team’s next challenge will be to build on this success and continue their upward trajectory as they prepare for the competitive season ahead.
Next weekend the Bulldogs travel to Penn State University for the Penn State Classic where they will face James Madison University and Penn State University.