Courtesy of Brian Beard

Last weekend, Bowdoin’s volleyball team (10–6; 4–2 NESCAC) swept Amherst (8–8; 1–6 NESCAC) and defeated the No. 7-ranked Wesleyan team (12-2; 5-2 NESCAC) in a four-set victory. Against Amherst, Bowdoin went on an 11-point run to take control after Amherst’s initial 8–6 lead. The Polar Bears had a similar start against Wesleyan on Saturday, losing the first set before bouncing back to win the next three.

When asked what fueled the team’s comeback, Skye LaMendola ’27 described it as a mental shift more than anything else.

“I think it was just kind of a mindset change. Bowdoin volleyball has a history of starting off slow in the first set, so we tend to drop the first set every now and then,” LaMendola said.

This mental shift helped Bowdoin rebound after losing the opening set 25–20, winning the second set 25–23.

Anna Yeh ’27 described the slow starts as a bad habit the team has been trying to address.

“We’ve had a tendency to come out a little timid, and at the start of last week we talked extensively about how changing how coming out [strongly] sets the tone for both us and the other team,” Yeh said.

The Amherst game not only kickstarted a victorious weekend but also featured a special moment: LaMendola became the sixth player in Bowdoin volleyball history to reach 1,000 career kills. She described the milestone as especially meaningful in her Bowdoin volleyball journey.

“It meant a lot to me. It was kind of a culmination of all the hard work I’ve put into the season and into my career here at Bowdoin,” LaMendola said. “It was also special because this team this year has been such a great support system for me.”

The weekend was also proof of the team’s strength and potential in the NESCAC. For the players, the two wins provide a confidence boost as they approach their upcoming matches against Middlebury.

Zoe Ryu ’29 reflected on how the team’s earlier losses shaped its expectations.

“Earlier in the season, we had already lost to Colby, who was ranked No. 2 at the time. During the Colby game, we felt like we were about 80 percent of the way there,” Ryu said.

Rather than being discouraged by the loss, Ryu described this close game as a sign that they had more to give. The weekend’s successes inspired a growing belief in what the team can accomplish.

“It was more a matter of realizing, ‘Okay, they’ve shown us what they’re capable of, and we know what we can do. Let’s do it,’” Ryu said.

The results also reflected the preparation and work the team put in the week leading up to the matches. The players studied both opposing teams to prepare for their tactical approaches, which had some similarities.

“The teams were kind of similar in that they both ran a fast offense through the middle. It was an easier transition playing two similar teams than it has been on other weekends when we play two teams that are vastly different,” Ryu said.

Ryu also described how the team had been working on its endurance, particularly with the possibility of playing extended matches. LaMendola emphasized the importance of adapting during games, as opponents adjust to the team’s playing style, so they must make changes in response.

The addition of first-year players’ growing confidence and focused preparation for future matches have contributed to the team’s development. Yeh also discussed the importance of a team culture where everyone supports one another.

“Between sets, any player can call the team together to give a pep talk. Regardless of position, playing time or class year, everyone is given the space and respect to convene the group,” Yeh said.

Next weekend, the team will continue its stretch of home matches with Dig Pink Weekend, when baked goods will be sold in Smith and proceeds go to the Side-Out Foundation to support breast cancer research.

Ultimately, the team aims to host the NESCAC tournament and qualify for the NCAA tournament. The upcoming home matches offer opportunities to showcase the team’s talents and build on its momentum toward accomplishing its goals.

“The team is special, and we’re showing that more with each game,” Ryu said.