The Emerson women’s volleyball team fell to the Babson College Beavers 3-0 in a NEWMAC matchup last Tuesday. But, despite the loss, the Lions are maintaining their focus on teamwork, consistency, and growth as their young roster develops through the heart of the season.
Junior libero Lauren Yoo said the team knew the match would be a challenge prior to the start of the game, but they entered the game ensuring to focus on communication and maintaining control of the ball. The experience ultimately tested their resilience and highlighted the importance of consistency on the court. As a junior defensive specialist and team captain, Yoo has played a role in assisting the team’s younger players as they adjust to the pace of conference play and face tough matchups.
“Babson is one of our top competitors in the [NEWMAC] conference, so we knew [there] was going to be some competition,” Yoo said. “Also, right now our biggest [focus] is just being consistent as a team and coming together.”
The first set ended 25–18 in favor of the Beavers, with Emerson fighting hard but unable to close the gap after an early deficit. In the second set, the Lions showed more energy, but fell 25–17 as unforced errors gave Babson the edge. The third set was their closest, 25–19, while the Lions pushed until the end, but couldn’t overcome Babson’s defense.
Sophomore setter Chloe Hokenson paced the offense with 13 assists, bringing her career total within four of 1,000, which she has since passed against Saint Joseph’s College of Maine. Hokenson also added four kills, a service ace, and four block assists. Junior Rachel Dickerson led the Lions with seven kills and two aces, while Yoo contributed seven digs and an ace.
Despite the loss, the team’s effort reflected a group still finding its rhythm—a challenge that comes with a young roster learning to play together. Head coach Ben Read said that the result of Tuesday’s match underscored the team’s adjustment process of new players settling into a collegiate team.
“The biggest challenges in youth are experiences, and [we’re] taking kids from all over the U.S. and the world, [so] you’re trying to blend together with different backgrounds and styles of volleyball in 13 days of preseason,” Read said.
For returning fans, this year’s roster looks much different from last season’s. Two-fifths of the team is made up of first-year players—a middle blocker and three pit hitters—and no seniors. The team is in the midst of rebuilding after graduating several key veterans.
“We graduated 78% of our offense players, [and] our libero, who was the former NEWMAC defensive player of the year, so that’s an awful lot that we’re replacing,” Read said.
The Lions’ focus isn’t just on immediate wins, but on creating a foundation for long-term success. Read expressed optimism that the team will gain strength and chemistry as the season continues—so that, “knock on wood, we can make the playoffs,” he said.
Emerson returned to the Brown and Plofker Gym and defeated Saint Joseph’s College of Maine 3–1. After a loss to nationally-ranked MIT, the Lions prepare to play WPI on Saturday, Oct.18 at 11 a.m., and hope to translate their flashes of growth into consistency by striving to gain more victories as the season progresses.
