Volleyball Hall of Fame Invitational (Day 1)

SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (Oct. 24, 2009) – The 2009 Volleyball Hall of Fame Women’s Invitational concluded today, with Tufts University and Middlebury College winning their respective brackets. A total of 16 teams participated in the 18th edition of the tournament, which was hosted by Smith College and Mount Holyoke College. Prior to the beginning of the event, the teams were ranked based on their results thus far this season. They were then broken up into two eight team brackets. The top eight squads competed in the “Gold Bracket” at Smith, while the next eight played in the “Silver Bracket” at Mount Holyoke.

In the Gold Bracket’s championship match, Tufts breezed to a 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 25-20) triumph over Williams College. Leading the way for the Jumbos was Tournament Most Valuable Player Dena Feiger. Amherst College edged MIT 3-2 (20-25, 25-18, 19-25, 25-16, 15-9) to grab third place overall.

Middlebury College held on for a 3-2 (25-19, 25-12, 22-25, 17-25, 15-10) win over Bowdoin College in the Silver Bracket's championship match. The Panthers were paced by Lauren Barrett, who earned Most Valuable Player honors. In the third place contest, Westfield State College downed Bridgewater State College 3-0 (25-20, 25-23, 25-19).

Mount Holyoke (4-20, 0-7 NEWMAC) will return to action on Tuesday, when it travels to Smith for a New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference clash beginning at 7:00 p.m.