LEWISTON, Maine – Bates College volleyball challenged Williams but came up short in a feisty 3–1 decision Saturday afternoon in Alumni Gym, falling by set scores of 22–25, 25–16 21–25, 20–25.

With the loss, the Bobcats drop to 6–6 overall and 1–4 in NESCAC play, while the Ephs improve to 13–1 and 4–1 in the conference.

Senior Ami Evans led the home team attack with a season-high 14 kills on a .243 hitting clip and added 11 digs for her third double-double of the season. Junior Sofia Castiglioni chipped in 10 kills, while sophomore Anaïs Reneaum continued her efficient play with nine kills on .467 hitting to go along with four blocks.

Lauren Croom and Nora Gilmer split the setting duties, dishing 24 and 13 assists, respectively. Ellie Asada patrolled the back line with 14 digs while Jaime Bartley-Cohen added 11 digs and six kills. Isabel Bettencourt was a force at the serve, landing a new career-best five aces for the Bobcats.

The Ephs responded with balance at the net, getting double-digit kills from Kate Lane (10), Chi Obi (11), and Keely Campuzano (10). Williams sealed the match with a .367 hitting mark in the fourth set.

Bates returns to non-conference play this Tuesday evening with a visit to Husson. First serve is slated for 6:30 p.m.