The Muhlenberg College volleyball team showcased its resilience and determination during the annual Buttermaker Tournament, splitting their two matches with a hard fought victory over Vassar after a competitive opening loss to Stevens. The weekend’s performance not only highlighted the team’s potential for the season but also reflected their readiness to take on conference play.
The Mules started the tournament with a challenging match against Stevens, a team known for its consistency and strength. Despite the eventual loss, the team’s performance in the match was aggressive and disciplined. As Captain Esmae Oehler ‘25 reflected, “Although we lost to Stevens, I think we were aggressive and played a clean game. This gives me a lot of hope about conference play.” This comment mirrors the Mules focus on playing with intensity, even against tougher opponents. Muhlenberg showed moments of brilliance, especially in the second set when they fought back from a four point deficit to tie the score at 21, before Stevens ultimately closed out the match.
“The weekend’s performance not only highlighted the team’s potential for the season but also reflected their readiness to take on conference play.”
Oehler led the charge for Muhlenberg in both matches, finishing with 21 kills and 22 digs across the tournament, a performance that also saw her surpass 500 career digs. Her leadership and consistency on the court kept the team competitive, particularly in the Stevens match, where she recorded 12 kills with only one error in 27 attempts.
The team’s resilience was evident as they bounced back against Vassar. The Mules came out strong, taking the first set 25-18 and absolutely dominating the second set with a 25-15 victory. “Our game against Vassar started really strong with us taking the first set. We were aggressive and intentional with our play,” Oehler notes, reflecting on their assertive start. In that second set, Kelly Stephen’s ‘28 impressive serving run contributed to the team’s momentum, helping them build an 18-5 lead with seven straight points. This aggressive serving, paired with Olivia Bruno’s ‘28 ability to capitalize on Vassar’s mistakes, allowed Muhlenberg to dictate the pace and control the match.
However, as Oehler reflects, the third set saw some weaknesses. “We could’ve started stronger in the third set and cut off some of their serving runs sooner. Siding out early will be the key for us in future games.” This analysis reflects the team’s need to stay sharp and prevent opponents from gaining any momentum, a key takeaway from the match. Vassar won the third set 25-21, extending the match to a fourth set, where the Mules’ ability to adjust and refocus was critical.
“The tournament demonstrated the Mules’ ability to compete with top teams, adapt in the middle of matches and finish strong under pressure. With performances like these, Muhlenberg is poised to build momentum as they head into the heart of their season.”
In the final set, Muhlenberg showed their mental toughness and ability to close out games. Although they trailed 13-8 at one point, Chloe Gaglione’s ‘27 timely serving run shifted the momentum, allowing the Mules to regain control and take a narrow lead at 21-20. Christina Marcin ‘26 came through in the clutch, delivering two key kills that helped secure the set, and Brooke Shiver ‘25 sealed the match with a powerful kill and a solo block. The ability to rally in critical moments shows how the Mules brought their play together.
Overall, the match against Vassar showed the team’s potential when they are aggressive and execute their game plan effectively. Oehler’s observation that “there were a lot of positives that came out of this weekend that makes me hopeful for the future” is well-founded. The tournament demonstrated the Mules’ ability to compete with top teams, adapt in the middle of matches and finish strong under pressure. With performances like these, Muhlenberg is poised to build momentum as they head into the heart of their season.
