On Friday, Sept. 27, the No. 10 ranked Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (CMS) women’s volleyball team squared off against Pomona-Pitzer (P-P) in their latest Sixth Street rivalry match. In front of a packed audience of 5C students, family and friends in Roberts Pavilion, the Athenas — who just last year advanced to the semifinals of the NCAA Division III tournament — swept P-P 3-0.
Though CMS went on to win all three sets, it was P-P who came out swinging. A spike from Chloe Gill PO ’25 set the tone for the rivalry match, and P-P jumped out to a two-point lead after winning the subsequent rally.
However, CMS was ready to respond, clawing back to tie the game courtesy of three assists from 2023 First-Team AVCA All-American, Georgia McGovern CM ’24.
Both teams battled through a gritty first set, with neither team willing to back down. A six-point run put the Athenas on top 15-12, forcing a timeout from the Sagehens.
For most of the first set, the Athenas found themselves ahead on the scoreboard; however, a late Sagehen rally tied the game 24-24. With both teams only two consecutive points away from a win, Roberts buzzed with cheering and stomping.
Amidst the clamor, the Athenas prevailed with two major points — including a service ace from Brooke McKee CM ’26 — to secure the first set.
In the second set, the Athenas built off their momentum, jumping out to an early 10-3 lead. Refusing to back down, P-P responded, with a major spike from Paige Mountanos PO ’26 reducing the deficit to six points.
Another service ace from McKee wrapped up the set at 25-14 in favor of the Athenas.
In the third and final set, P-P fought back only trailing by one point at 12-11, but CMS went on a run to establish their three-set sweep and the Sixth Street victory.
Kronschnabel stressed the importance of the game, noting the quality of their competitors across the net.
“With the start of SCIAC play, this game is super important for the confidence that it builds for the girls,” Kronschnabel said. “The crowd was super intense, so I think it is very confidence-building to be able to put away a good team in three sets.”
Solvej Eversoll CM ’27 boasted five kills and two blocks on the night, applauding the strong support from the crowd during the game.
“I feel like it’s one of those big moments when you are happy to be a part of this community,” Eversoll said. “We know we still have a lot of work to do for the rest of the season but again, I think we were able to come out, work together and execute the plan with all-around good team effort.”
Though they did not ultimately emerge victorious, the Sagehens said they were appreciative of the support from fans.
“It’s so awesome to see everyone show up to the game,” Chloe Gill PO ’25 said. “Knowing that we have our Sagehens behind us cheering for us every point, no matter if we win or lose. It’s always great to look at the crowd, see our friends, and see familiar faces and unfamiliar faces.”
CMS Assistant Coach Megan Kronschnabel expressed a similar sentiment.
“I think that it just really shows how big the volleyball community is and how much love both teams have,” Kronschnabel said. “It’s just really awesome; the school spirit, the sense of community, and the ability to bring everyone together for a good time.”
After the Sixth Street Rivalry victory, as well as subsequent sweeps of Occidental College and Caltech this week, the Athenas currently hold an overall record of 8-3.
Looking ahead, CMS will face Whittier College Friday, Oct. 4 while P-P goes up against Caltech on the same day.
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