NORTHFIELD, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton women's volleyball team split its Saturday doubleheader, cruising past Norwich in straight sets before falling to Trinity in a competitive four-set match.
The Spartans, now 4-2, were led offensively by Sam Ford, who tallied 16 kills and five aces across both matches. Jocelyn Ray followed with 17 kills and three aces, while Brianna Walsh added four aces and 11 kills. Alondra Rojas had a strong performance across the board with 53 assists and 10 digs. Nicolette Vaughn held the back line with a combined 41 digs, making key plays in both matches.
VTSU Castleton 3, Norwich 0
Castleton came out strong in the first set, capitalizing on seven Norwich errors to win 25-18. Ford and Ray were key in maintaining pressure, combining for 15 kills and seven aces, while Rojas contributed 20 assists and added six kills of her own. Vaughn's defensive presence was felt with 16 digs that broke up Norwich's momentum. The Cadets struggled to recover from several errors and were unable to counter the Spartans' strong serving.
The second set saw Norwich battle back early, but the Spartans surged ahead again with consistent serving and timely kills from Walsh and Ford, taking the set 25-16. Big defensive efforts by Vaughn helped keep the ball alive and set the tone for the third set.
In the final set, Castleton maintained its tempo and pulled away, holding Norwich to just 14 points. With blocks from Ray and multiple aces from Ford, the Spartans closed out the match with a 25-14 win to complete the sweep.
Trinity 3, VTSU Castleton 1
The second match of the day brought a step up in competition as Castleton faced an undefeated Trinity team. Despite a strong start, the Spartans couldn't hold off the Bantams' balanced attack, falling in four tightly contested sets.
Castleton opened the match with early kills from Walsh, Ray, and Ford to take the lead. With Rojas spreading the offense and tallying 14 assists in the set, the Spartans were able to find gaps in Trinity's defense. Vaughn and Lillirose Prevost defended the back line with a combined 13 digs. After fending off a late Bantams push, Castleton closed the first set 25-23.
Trinity responded with more intensity in the second set, opening on a 6-2 run. Castleton tried to close the gap, but a series of errors and key blocks from Maya Hall and Amy Boller, who each finished with four total blocks, tilted the set. Trinity won 25-17.
The third set proved to be the turning point in this match. Trinity exploded offensively, recording 17 kills with only two errors. Despite three kills apiece from Walsh and Ford, and steady setting from Rojas–who finished with 33 assists overall–Castleton couldn't slow the Bantams' momentum. Vaughn added six more digs to her match-high total of 25, but the Spartans dropped the set 25-14.
In the fourth set, Castleton regrouped and matched Trinity point-for-point early on. Walsh led the way with a team-high 11 kills, while Ray added 10 and Ford chipped in eight. Vaughn continued her standout play in the back row with another seven digs, while Prevost and Rojas combined for 24 digs. The Spartans pulled within two late at 22-20, but Trinity held firm and closed the match with a 25-21 win.
As a team, Castleton tallied 43 kills, 93 digs, and three service aces, but couldn't overcome Trinity's offensive efficiency and defensive presence at the net.
What's Next
VTSU Castleton is back in action Thursday, Sept. 11, when it hosts Paul Smith's College for a non conference matchup at 6 p.m.
