Courtesy of Brian Beard

After a loss at Colby College (11–1; 1–1 NESCAC) last Friday night by a score of 2–3, the volleyball team (7–6; 0–2 NESCAC) traveled down to Boston to face two non-conference teams. The Polar Bears didn’t drop a set against either opponent, beating both Clark University (1–10) and Emerson College (9–6) by a score of 3–0.

Despite ending in a loss, the team took nationally-ranked Colby to five sets. Outside hitter Mina Mittler ’26 reflected on the team’s goals going into the weekend in an email to the Orient.

“Our number one priority in every game we play is to ‘play Bowdoin volleyball,’” Mittler wrote. “Each weekend we play, we are trying to unlock more and more of our talent and skills and play our game.”

One of those skills was a new system of play, outside hitter Tamara Gisiger ’28 wrote in an email to the Orient.

“We were running a 5–1 for the first time, which meant many of us were stepping into new roles or playing positions we’d only had five days to practice,” Gisiger wrote. “As a team, our goal was to trust each other, stay disciplined within the new system and use this match as a chance to grow while still competing hard.”

The team was able to bounce back the next day, beating Clark and Emerson in straight sets. Mittler credits the wins to the team’s ability to learn as well as the preparation that took place throughout the week at practice.

“On Saturday, our main goal was to take everything from Friday and the previous week and keep playing Bowdoin volleyball. These games were great opportunities to strategize and find out about ourselves as individuals and as a team,” Mittler wrote. “Every single person in this gym is committed to our team and the program, and we are all so excited to continue getting better each and every day. The goal is to make our practices so tough that come game time, it feels easy and less pressured.”

Today, the team will face Amherst College (5–2; 2–1 NESCAC) at home in the annual Dig Pink match, which supports breast cancer awareness. Earlier this week, the team ran a bake sale and raffle in Smith Union, and they also have an online donation platform through the SideOut Foundation with a fundraising goal of $5,000.

“The Dig Pink event is really meaningful because it’s about playing for something bigger than ourselves. It’s a chance to honor and support those affected by breast cancer while bringing our community together through the sport we love,” Gisiger wrote. “The goal of the event is not only to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research but also to remind us that the Bowdoin volleyball program values compassion, service and playing with purpose.”

Including the match today, the volleyball team has seven more NESCAC matches before the postseason begins. Mittler talked about her goals for the team, both of which emphasized flexibility and growth.

“Our top priority is to win a NESCAC championship, plain and simple,” Mittler wrote. “This means focusing on every point ahead while keeping the big picture in mind.”

Mittler also spoke highly of the team’s ability to navigate adversity.

“I am so proud of how adaptable this team is. We have dealt with a string of injuries and people have been playing positions that they typically do not,” Mittler wrote. “It really goes to show how much everyone cares and wants to win.”

Gisiger offered insight on team traditions and their importance to team chemistry and overall success.

“Before every game, one player is assigned to choose a team game, like blind karaoke, charades or poison dart frog,” Gisiger wrote. “It’s a really uplifting tradition that keeps the energy positive, helps us shake off nerves and makes sure we go into every match smiling and connected as a team.”

The Dig Pink volleyball match will take place today at 7:00 p.m. in Morrell Gymnasium.

If you can, please support the Side-Out Foundation and Dig Pink.