Box Score

NORTHAMPTON, MA (October 11, 2009) – Head women's volleyball coach Jonathan Penn has had his share of memorable victories during his 12 seasons leading the program, but one win has always eluded him – until Sunday afternoon. With a 3-0 sweep over Wellesley in the championship of the Seven Sisters Tournament, Penn notches his first – and the programs third – Seven Sisters title. 

The Brewers (13-5) won the title in resounding fashion, sweeping Wellesley 25-20, 25-21, 25-15. It was Vassar's first Seven Sisters Championship since 1993 and avenged a 5-set loss to Wellesley in the 2007 championship match. 

In victory, two Brewers at different stages of their careers distinguished themselves. Senior Sarah Potts and freshman Hilary Koenigs were named to the All-Seven Sisters Tournament Team. 

Vassar was led by sophomore Amy Bavosa with nine kills and freshman Chloe McGuire added eight kills with 11 digs. Freshman Hilary Koenigs had 25 set assists and 10 digs. Senior Jasmin Iskandar notched 10 digs.

In the opening set, Wellesley led by as much as six points. The Brewers tied the contest at 9-9, and although the set would be tied three more times, Vassar pulled away and earned a 25-20 victory, the last point coming off a Wellesley net violation.

The second set had a similar flavor with six ties and two lead changes. Behind Bavosa and Potts, the Brewers had a strong attack game, good enough to topple the scrappy defensive play from Wellesley. A streak of Wellesley errors late in the set enabled the Brewers to push ahead. Koenigs earned Vassar's final point following a solo block that  rolled along the top of the net until finally settling on Wellesley's side to earn Vassar a 25-21 win.

Vassar used its strong defensive game and timely blocking to ease toward a 25-15 third set win and the Seven Sisters Championship.

“We defeated a very good Wellesley team,” said Penn about his team that had to come from behind to win both of the first two sets. “We played well and it's a very satisfying victory.” 

When the Brewers are playing well, both offense and defense are in sync. On Sunday against Wellesley, Vassar had 48 digs and nine total blocks. 

The Brewers are next in action at home on October 14 at 7:00 p.m. against Hunter College. Vassar will be holding its second annual Dig Pink promotion in recognition of national Breast Cancer Awareness month this October.