This season, the Wellesley College Volleyball and Field Hockey teams reached the pinnacle of their competitive year by securing spots in the prestigious New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) tournaments. Both teams have a rich legacy in the conference, and their qualification this year marks another chapter in Wellesley’s celebrated athletic history.
The Wellesley Volleyball team, led by Head Coach Dorothy Webb, entered the tournament as the No. 6 seed. The team faced a formidable opponent in No. 3 Smith College and, despite their efforts, fell 3-1. Wellesley was led by Kate Giang’s ’27 15 kills, eight digs and three aces. First-year Else Kunze-Hoeg ’28 hit .304 and finished with 11 kills, 18 assists and eight digs. Evelyn Hill ’27 added eight kills. Kaija Kunze-Hoeg ’26 led all players with 21 digs. Webb reflected at the beginning season that, “the Wellesley Volleyball team is very young and athletic, with depth at every position. We will be especially excited to follow/watch this year!” This year’s tournament bid is part of a storied legacy in NEWMAC, and the team looks to build on their achievements as they aim even higher next season.
This season, the Wellesley College Field Hockey team once again proved its mettle, advancing to the semifinals of the NEWMAC tournament after a thrilling 4-1 first-round victory over Salve Regina. Katie Golla ’27 opened the scoring early, followed by goals from Claudia Summers ’28 and Sara Maniscalco ’25, who capitalized on a penalty corner. Alex Butulis ’27 added a fourth goal in the third quarter, sealing the win. The Blue’s defense also shone, holding Salve Regina to just four shots compared to Wellesley’s 26. The Blue last played in the NEWMAC semifinals in 2021. But, the No. 4 seed Wellesley College field hockey fell at No. 1 seed Babson College, 5-0, on Nov. 7 at MacDowell Field. The Blue ends the season with a 10-10 record after making a fifth straight postseason appearance with two trips to the semifinals in that span.
For the Blue, making it to the NEWMAC tournament was a celebration of more than just athletic skill; it represented the powerful sense of community and pride within Wellesley’s sports culture. Throughout the season, fans filled the stands to cheer on both teams, with alums, students and faculty showing their support at every game.
As both the volleyball and field hockey teams look to the future, their postseason achievements this year serve as a foundation. With a strong core of returning players and a renewed drive, Wellesley is poised for continued success in NEWMAC and beyond.
Contact the editors responsible for this story: Julee Sharma, Katie McCabe
