Boston, Mass. (Sept. 6, 2025) – The UMass Boston volleyball team wrapped up play at the 2nd Annual UMB Volleyball Tournament on Saturday night, dropping a pair of close contests to Emerson College and the undefeated (RV) College of Saint Benedict.
Game 1: Emerson 3, UMass Boston 2
The Beacons opened Day 2 of the tournament with a tightly contested five-set thriller against Emerson College, falling 3-2.
UMass Boston took the opening set 25-22 but dropped the next two sets 22-25 and 17-25. The Beacons rallied to claim a dramatic 26-24 win in the fourth, a set that featured seven lead changes and 10 ties. UMB led deep into the decisive fifth set and was just one point away from victory before the Lions responded with a 5-0 run to close out the match.
Despite the loss, the match featured standout performances. Sophomore Mary Matthews recorded a career-high 33 digs, while junior Josie Becker notched an early-season high with 8 kills.
Paige Coulson paced the Beacons with 12 kills and 4 service aces, while Addie Blomgren anchored the defense at the net with 6 blocks. Mary Denny added 3 blocks, and Kesmyn Alves chipped in with 2.
Game 2: (RV) Saint Benedict 3, UMass Boston 0
In their second match of the day, UMass Boston faced an undefeated Saint Benedict squad and put up a strong fight despite the 3-0 final score.
The Beacons nearly stole the opening set, falling 27-25 in a hard-fought frame that saw UMB tally 12 kills — just one fewer than the Bennies.
Though Saint Benedict swept the match, UMass Boston forced their opponent into 17 total errors and held them to their lowest attacking efficiency of the tournament.
Paige Coulson once again led the team with 8 kills, followed by Kesmyn Alves with 5. Amelia Devlin finished with a team-high 11 assists, adding 6 digs and a service ace.
Up Next
UMass Boston returns to action on Wednesday, September 10, hosting Western New England University at 6 p.m. in the Clark Athletic Center. The match will serve as the Beacons' Professor Appreciation Night. Admission is free.
