NORTHAMPTON, Mass.--The season gets underway tonight for the Smith College (0-0) volleyball team when they play host to Western New England University (2-0) on Tuesday.  This marks the third straight season that Smith has opened against the Golden Bears.


Last Meeting:  Smith beat Western New England for the first time in 11 years with a 3-1 (16-25, 26-24, 25-17, 25-15) to give head coach Fran Vandermeer her first win as head coach of Smith on September 6, 2011.  Rosa Drummond (Rye, N.H./Portsmouth) paced the attack by hitting .340 with 21 kills.

Smith Overview: Smith opens the season with a veteran roster.  The Pioneers return two seniors and seven juniors to a team that improved its win total by six a year ago.  With six players at 5-9 or taller, Smith has the potential to be a force at the net in the competitive NEWMAC.

Western New England Overview: The Golden Bears head into today's match after winning a pair of matches in a tri-match against Plymouth State University and Wheaton College.  WNE knocked off the Panthers 3-0 in the opener, then cruised past Wheaton 3-1 in the second match. 

Smith Player to Watch: Drummond posted 372 kills a season ago, the third highest single season mark in school history.  Though only a junior, she could find her self in the top five career kills by seasons' end.

Western New England Player to Watch: Maureen Pollett had eight kills against Plymouth State and 13 against Wheaton.

Did you know? Tonight's matchup features a pair of coaches who are both in their second years at their respective schools - Smith's Fran Vandermeer and WNE's Bret Stothart. 


Note: There are several ways to keep up with Smith College Athletics.  In addition to the latest news and scores found on smithpioneers.com, you can also follow us on Twitter (@smithpioneers), Facebook, and see our photos on Instagram (@Smithpioneers).