AMHERST, MA - The host Jeffs fell short in their bid to claim the championship crown at the 11-team Amherst College Volleyball Classic on Saturday, falling to NESCAC-rival Wesleyan University, 3-0, at 1 p.m., before rebounding with a 3-0 consolation-win over conference-foe Tufts University. M.I.T. went on to win the tournament, on the strength of victories over Trinity College and St. Lawrence University on Friday, and wins over Tufts and Wesleyan on Saturday.

Wesleyan junior middle hitter Eliza Allen torched Amherst for a match-high 20 kills and eight digs, as the Cardinals swept the Jeffs 30-23, 31-29 and 30-24. Wesleyan senior tri-captain Alexis Keeler added 16 kills and 3.5 blocks, and fellow senior co-captain Christina Fucci dished out a whopping 42 assists. Meanwhile, senior co-captain outside hitter Erica Hewes (Pebble Beach, CA) led Amherst with 11 kills, while fellow senior co-captain Meredith DeMeules (Los Angeles, CA) finished with 14 assists in defeat.

The Jeffs reversed their fortunes with a 30-23, 30-28, 30-14 win over Tufts - their second win over the Jumbos this season. Hewes was once again hot with a match-high 13 kills - as was DeMeules - who finished with 10 kills, 22 assists and seven digs. First-year setter Annie Hoeksma (Los Angeles, CA) chipped in with eight kills, 21 assists and 11 digs, as Amherst upped its overall record to 8-2 with the non-conference split. Sophomore middle blocker Amy Cronin led Tufts with 11 kills.

Alexis Keeler (Wesleyan), Kelly Martens (M.I.T.), Meredith DeMeules (Amherst), Amanda Cuiffo (Colby), Jaymie Rosario (Western Conn.) and Grace Randall (St. Lawrence's) earned First-Team All-Tournament honors. Meanwhile, Carin LaValley (Plymouth St.), Sara-Britt Johnson (Gordon), Nydia Clayton (M.I.T.), Erica Waltonen (Rhode Island), Lauren Barnes (Gordon) and Beth Landry (Trinity) were named to the Tournament's Second-Team.