For the first time in team history, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (CMS) Athenas volleyball advances to the NCAA Division III Volleyball Championships after a decisive victory over Trinity College on November 16. The win helps shatter the record win total set in 2013 and places CMS at 27-6 thus far.
The Athenas overcame an early deficit in the first match by scoring four straight points to take a 16-14 lead on kills from Sarah Bruml ’18. After an exchange of points – and earning a 20-16 lead – Arianna Sifuentes ’16 made a dive for an ace on the next play. Subsequent matches saw the same level of energy and motivation, with CMS capturing three wins to Trinity’s one.
“I never expected this to happen,” says Bruml. “I am extremely excited to have come this far. We have overcome so much over the season and I cannot wait to keep playing with my team.”
The team will face off against No. 5 seed Wisconsin-Stevens Point on November 21. Should CMS advance to the semifinals, they will compete on November 22 against the winner of the Emory and Williams match.
Congratulations to everyone who pushed the team into the quarterfinals!