Box Score NORTHAMPTON, Mass.--Smith battled back to force a deciding fifth set, but fell by the narrowest of margins in a 3-2 (25-23, 12-25, 18-25, 25-13, 13-15) loss to Worcester Polytechnic Institute in the season finale on Saturday.

The Pioneers (3-21, 1-8 NEWMAC) took game one 25-23, but fell behind 2-1 in the match after dropping the next two sets 12-25 and 18-25, respectively.  After a resounding 25-13 win in the fourth set, the Pioneers and Engineers (22-8, 5-4 NEWMAC) went back and forth in a fifth set that WPI took 15-13.

Laurel Belton led the way with 17 kills, hitting .245 for the match, while adding a pair of service aces and 23 digs.  Lauren Martinez served up three service aces, while tossing in 21 assists and 18 digs.  Courtney Faria had 21 assists as well.

Belton and Martinez were honored before the game for their contributions to the program.  Smith ends their season at 3-21, but returns 11 players to next years squad.