Saturday, October 11, 2025, proved to be a day of high drama and standout performances on the collegiate volleyball courts, as both the Colorado College Tigers and the Albion College Britons delivered statement victories in their respective conferences. With postseason aspirations heating up, these squads showed grit, skill, and a touch of flair that left fans buzzing and opponents reeling.
At Reid Arena, the Colorado College Tigers took on McMurry University in a Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) showdown. The Tigers, entering the contest with a 12-6 record, were eager to bolster their position in the standings. Led by the dynamic duo of Camille Sherrill and Brooke Brilliant, who each hammered home a match-high 15 kills, Colorado College powered their way to a four-set triumph. Adding to the offensive firepower, Carolyn Dormady chipped in 14 kills, while setter Annie Joo orchestrated the attack with an impressive 40 assists.
The match opened with a bang for the Tigers. They dominated the first set, compiling a blistering .458 hitting percentage—no small feat at this level. With 12 kills and just a single error, Colorado College left little doubt about their intentions. The momentum carried into the second set, though McMurry put up a fight. The Tigers, however, strung together a pivotal seven-point run to seize a 13-6 lead, a cushion they never relinquished as they secured the set, 25-19.
But McMurry, entering the day with a 9-8 record and a 3-6 mark in conference play, refused to go quietly. The visitors found their rhythm in the third set, earning a hard-fought 25-19 win and injecting a dose of suspense into the proceedings. The fourth set was a tense, back-and-forth affair—just what you’d expect with both teams battling for crucial SCAC positioning. Then, the Tigers broke things open with a decisive 6-1 run, surging ahead 20-15. Sherrill, who had been a force all afternoon, delivered four kills in the final set and sealed the match with her fifth ace, bringing the crowd to its feet.
Defensively, Annie Joo led the Tigers with 13 digs, while Meghan Gannon contributed 12, helping to keep McMurry’s attackers at bay. The win pushed Colorado College’s overall record to 13-6 and their SCAC mark to 5-3, giving them a solid boost as they look ahead to the next phase of their season. The Tigers will return to action on Saturday, October 18, when they travel to Houston, Texas, to take on the University of St. Thomas. That matchup, set for 1 p.m. Central Time, is already circled on the calendars of Tigers fans eager to see if their squad can keep the momentum rolling.
Meanwhile, over in Berea, Ohio, the Albion College Britons put together a performance that will be remembered for quite some time. Entering the day with a sparkling 15-2 record, Albion faced a daunting doubleheader: first up, No. 15 nationally ranked Otterbein College, followed by host Baldwin Wallace University. The Britons didn’t just rise to the occasion—they soared.
In the opening match, Albion handed Otterbein its first 3-0 loss of the season, prevailing 25-23, 25-23, 25-17. The Britons’ defense was relentless, with junior Paige Williamson registering a match-high 22 digs—her 17th double-digit dig performance of the season. On offense, Carly Frank and Kayda Herrick led the way with 13 and 12 kills, respectively, while Molly Edmunds orchestrated the attack with a match-best 30 assists and nine digs. Albion out-hit Otterbein .207 to .120, showcasing their efficiency and poise under pressure.
The third set against Otterbein was particularly dramatic. After some early back-and-forth, Albion clung to a slim 10-7 lead before Otterbein knotted things up at 12 apiece. But the Britons weren’t fazed. Instead, they unleashed a monster 8-0 run, highlighted by two kills each from Bri Whitfield and Frank, and capped by a service ace from Williamson. That surge gave Albion a commanding 20-12 advantage, and they never looked back, cruising to a 25-17 win to complete the sweep.
Riding high from their upset of Otterbein, the Britons turned their attention to Baldwin Wallace University. Once again, Albion was in control from the outset, sweeping the Yellow Jackets 3-0 and holding clear statistical edges in kills (40-27), assists (36-26), and digs (49-42). Herrick delivered a standout all-around performance, posting a double-double with 12 kills and a match-high 12 digs, along with two service aces and a block. Frank matched Herrick’s 12 kills, while Margaret Jones chipped in eight to round out a balanced offensive attack. Edmunds continued her stellar playmaking, notching her 18th consecutive match with 30 or more assists.
Defensively, Williamson and Ava Wilcox were key contributors, tallying 10 and nine digs, respectively, to help keep Baldwin Wallace off the scoreboard. The Britons’ victory improved their season record to an eye-popping 17-2, solidifying their status as a force to be reckoned with in the MIAA.
Looking ahead, Albion returns to conference play on Tuesday, October 14, when they hit the road to face Alma College. That match, scheduled for a 6:30 p.m. start, promises to be another important test as the Britons aim to extend their winning streak and maintain their momentum heading into the heart of the season.
With both Colorado College and Albion College delivering such commanding performances, the weekend offered a tantalizing glimpse of what’s possible when teamwork, determination, and individual brilliance come together on the volleyball court. As these teams prepare for their next challenges, fans and foes alike will be watching closely—because if Saturday was any indication, neither the Tigers nor the Britons are done making headlines just yet.
