WALTHAM, Mass. – Bowdoin College overcame an early deficit in the fourth set to rally for a 25-15, 25-18, 19-25, 25-23 victory over Brandeis University in a non-conference volleyball match on Friday night.
 
TEAM RECORDS

• Brandeis: 8-14
• Bowdoin: 11-8

 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• Bowdoin gradually built an 11-6 lead in the opening frame, but Brandeis stayed close as back-to-back kills by Lara Verstovsek (Bellaire, Texas/Episcopal) narrowed the gap to 16-13. The Polar Bears responded with a kill which sparked a 9-2 set-ending run.
• In the second set, Bowdoin created an early lead which grew to 17-11 after a block. The Judges battled back as they came within two points on four occasions, the last at 20-18 on a kill by Anna Ertischek (Montgomery, Texas/Lake Creek). Bowdoin responded with five unanswered points to secure the win.
• Trailing 7-5 in the third set, a kill by Verstovsek ignited a 10-3 run that put Brandeis ahead for good. Despite the deficit, the Polar Bears continued to attack as they tied the score twice, the last time at 17-17. Sparked by a kill from Verstovsek, the Judges put together an 8-2 run to capture the victory.
• A strong serving run that featured three aces by Verstovsek gave Brandeis a 12-5 advantage in the fourth set. Bowdoin chipped away at the deficit and eventually went in front, 19-18, on a kill. Both teams traded points down the stretch until a kill and a block clinched the 25-23 come-from-behind win by the Polar Bears.

 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Verstovsek powered the Judges with 16 kills, three aces, and three blocks.
• Ertischek contributed 11 kills.
• Julia Liang (Sugar Land, Texas/Clements) dished out 20 assists.
• Megan Margolis (Lake Forrest, Ill./Lake Forest) generated 19 assists and 13 digs.
• Ella Pereira (Redondo Beach, Calif./Rolling Hills Prep) and Olivia Nirode (Keller, Texas/Keller) bolstered the defense with nine and eight digs, respectively.
• Tatiana Wainer (North Miami Beach, Fla./Schech Hillel Community) amassed four blocks.

 
UP NEXT

• Brandeis returns to action on Tuesday, Oct. 31 when it hosts Endicott College at 6:00 p.m.