The volleyball team was searching for its first-ever trip to the NESCAC semifinals but was stopped dead in its tracks when Williams pulled out of a five-match losing streak last Friday.
The sixth-seeded Ephs defeated the third-seeded Polar Bears 3-0 (25-21, 25-14, 25-20), leaving Bowdoin with a 18-11 record while Williams improves to 17-12.
Williams, who had defeated Bowdoin 3-2 on October 16, will move on to the semifinals of the NESCAC tournament for the 10th consecutive year. The first set went well at first for the Polar Bears with Bowdoin holding a 17-14 lead forcing the Ephs into a time out. Williams responded by scoring eight of the 10 next points and pulled out the 25-21 win.
In the second set Williams faltered, falling into a 4-1 hole, before turning up the pressure and taking a 16-5 lead. They eventually earned a 25-14 victory.
"We started off the first game very strong but dropped right around the 16-point mark, where we let them push ahead," Kristin Hanczor '12 said. "After that, we struggled to get a solid lead and ended up having to fight back from a large margin in both the second and the third game."
During the third set, Williams never relented, taking an 11-3 lead quickly before eventually dispatching the Bears 25-20.
Hanczor '12, who was voted onto the All-NESCAC Second Team led the Bowdoin attack along with Melissa Haskell '13 with six kills apiece; Haskell also earned 10 digs. Taylor Vail '14 helped out defensively with 11 digs, while Hilary Cederna '13 racked up five kills. Sophia Cornew '14 played a well-rounded match with 17 assists , nine digs, and two block assists.
"We reached 20 after being behind 20-10, which was where we really showed how we could challenge a team like Williams," Hanczor said. "Unfortunately, they were able to gain the last five points and leave us with a defeat."
"I am so proud of our team this year, for the many successes and records we have been able to achieve," Hanczor added. "I have never played with a more talented group of girls and I am so grateful for all of them and for everything we have achieved this season."
The team's focus will now turn to offseason preparation for next year.
"We will learn and we will continue to work hard throughout the offseason," Hanczor said. "Bowdoin volleyball has a lot more to show, and I can't wait until next year for another opportunity and to finally take advantage of it."