Box Score WORCESTER, Mass. – The Smith College volleyball team opened New England Men's and Women's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) action with a 3-1 victory over Clark University at the George F. Kneller Athletics Center Tuesday evening.

Smith (6-5, 1-0 NEWMAC) took the first set 25-18, but dropped set two to Clark (4-5, 0-1) 25-19. The Pioneers rebounded with a 25-15 win in set three and a 25-22 victory in the fourth frame.

Junior outside hitter Mei-Li Smith (Cypress, Calif./Cypress) led the Pioneers with 14 kills and a .283 attack percentage, while also tallying eight assists and 13 digs. Sophomore opposite hitter Allison Hardy (Nashville, Tenn./University School of Nashville) notched nine kills and 16 digs, while first-year middle blocker Jenna Rubin (Norfolk, Conn./Suffield Academy) chipped in five kills on 14 attacks.

First-year setter Dayra Diaz Marquez (Bayamon, Puerto Rico/New Mission) dished out a team-best 21 assists. Marquez (11) was one of five Pioneers to record ten or more digs, as Smith (13), Hardy (16), senior defensive specialist Samantha Danguilan (Round Lake, Ill./Round Lake) (14) and sophomore libero Julie Voorhes (Ramona, Calif./Ramona) (17) each reached the double-digit plateau in the win.

Clark freshman Marina Ramos led the Cougars with a game-high 24 kills and 19 digs.

Smith finished with a .170 attack percentage while holding Clark to .146 (.077 in the fourth set).

The Pioneers remain in conference action as they travel to Babson Park, Mass. to take on Babson College Saturday at 1 p.m.