Courtesy of Brian Beard

This past weekend, the Bowdoin volleyball team (8–3; 2–0 NESCAC) won all three matchups in a victorious sweep, in addition to a win against Maine Maritime Academy (3–8) on Tuesday (3-0). The team is now ranked No. 1 in the NESCAC, a feat spurred by their active five-game winning streak, which included two victories versus NESCAC opponents: Trinity College (6–2; 0–2 NESCAC) and Connecticut College (3–6; 0–2 NESCAC).

The team has five first years, including setter Molly Dunn ’30, who posted 16 and 11 assists against Trinity and Conn. College, respectively. Setter Cameron Shelly ’27, who had 16 assists in the recent win against Trinity, and 34 in the game against Connecticut College, praised the first-year class and what they bring to the team.

“We have a ton of depth on our bench, and I think that will definitely come to our advantage once we get into the second half of the season, utilizing all players,” Shelly said.

The team has 13 games remaining, with eight of these being in the NESCAC. The divisional matchups are very meaningful to many players on the team, the most notable of which being the Bowdoin vs. Colby (7–0; 2–0 NESCAC) Pride Match game, which takes place today.

“I’m so excited. [Colby is] a big opponent; they’re ranked No. 2 right now,” Shelly said. “And, if we take them down, it will be so, so, so good for us. And obviously, it’s a rivalry. We have a lot of pent up stuff. And I always really enjoy playing Colby because I think, every time, we both play to our absolute maximum.”

Alison Smith ’28, a right-side hitter, also commends the team’s performance and excitement so far. Smith has been particularly successful, with a career-high 23 kills during the game against Conn. College, and posted another 10 kills during the game against Trinity.

“I love this group of girls, and I think we have so much potential, drive and belief in each other to win big matches and compete at a high level,” Smith said. “Our goal is to win NESCACs and beyond that, compete in the NCAA playoffs, and I believe we are 100% capable of doing that.”

The team also has a strong bond, and players speak fondly of the dynamic between their teammates. This is especially essential for communication during the games. Shelly reflected on some of her favorite memories of her time on the volleyball team, and spoke of some traditions the team has.

“We do this little activity before every game called Spike Me, and one person is assigned to Spike Me before every game, and they do either a presentation or a fun activity, and that’s always been, super, super fun, and a good way to destress. So I have lots of good memories for those.” Shelly said.

Smith further spoke of the team’s chemistry, and how this translates to the players’ performance on the court.

“Our energy has also been off the charts this season whether we’re on the court, on the bench or simply together as a team, and I think that energy has made such a huge impact,” Smith said. “Everyone collectively contributing has been so vital for our success.”

As for the rest of the season, the team is hopeful, but still in a forward-facing mindset. After having several games away, the team is looking forward to playing several home games, backed by the support of their peers.

“We feel super, super confident. I wouldn’t say overconfidence, but I would say we have trust in each other, and we know we’re going to get it done,” Shelly said.

The team is now preparing for their home game on Friday against Colby College, the No. 2 ranked college in the NESCAC.