MIDDLETOWN, Conn. -- Bates volleyball pushed top-seeded and nationally ranked No. 1 Wesleyan in Saturday's NESCAC Quarterfinals, taking a tightly contested second set before falling 3–1 at Silloway Gymnasium. Set scores were 25–15, 24–26, 25–20, 25–11. The Bobcats close the year at 12–10 overall in a strong first season under head coach Carissa Bradford.

Malina Young led the offense with 12 kills (15 digs), while Anaïs Reneaum added 10 and Sofia Castiglioni delivered an efficient nine kills on a .444 clip. Kate Norry chipped in seven more, helping Bates keep pressure on the Cardinals (20-2) throughout the first three sets. Setter Lauren Croom paced the passing game with 16 assists, and sophomore setter Nora Gilmer added 13.

Young ends the season with five double-doubles, including one in each of the sophomore's final three matches.

Defensively, Ellie Asada anchored the back row with 21 digs in the final collegiate match for the senior libero. Ami Evans contributed 15 of her own in what was also her last contest as a Bobcat. Bates picked up six block assists, highlighted by three from Reneaum.

Bates now looks ahead to 2026 with momentum and an experienced returning core.