HARTFORD, CT - The Amherst College volleyball team wrapped 2009 Little Three play this afternoon with a NESCAC match against Wesleyan University on the campus of Trinity College. Amherst dropped the first two sets against the Cardinals, but rallied for three straight wins to top Wesleyan 3-2 (19-25, 20-25, 25-19, 25-18, 15-10).

With the victory, Amherst improves to 16-4 overall and 5-2 in NESCAC play. The result also forces a three-way tie for the Little Three title this year with Amherst, Williams and Wesleyan each posting 1-1 records in the series.

Amherst had trouble receiving serves in the first two games, but turned around its game with strong play from sophomore Katherine Kanoff (Pacific Palisades, CA) and Cristy Meier (San Anselmo, CA). Kanoff was the player of the match with 18 digs and 19 kills to help power the offense alongside Meier who had a team-high 27 kills.

Once again, the Lord Jeffs had strong play from their middle hitters, both offensively and defensively. Juniors Laura Hyman (Glencoe, IL) and Jackie Berkley (Fullerton, CA) played well at the net, combining for 12 kills and eight blocks, with Berkley adding a trio of service aces.

Junior tri-captain Rachel Yorke (Los Angeles, CA) had a team-high 19 digs, and also helped steady the service receiving as Amherst rallied for the win. Junior Katherine Jordan (Los Altos Hills, CA) was the playmaker in the comeback, dishing out 44 assists on the day.

Amherst will return to Trinity Wednesday night at 7 p.m. to face off against the Bantams in what is now a crucial NESCAC matchup.