Box Score NORTHAMPTON, Mass. - Three Pioneers recorded double-digit kills as the Smith College volleyball team defeated Mount Holyoke 3-1 (20-25, 25-22, 25-22, 25-21) in NEWMAC action Tuesday evening at Ainsworth Gymnasium. In the win, senior Mei-Li Smith (Cypress, Calif./Cypress) became the 10th player in Pioneers volleyball history to reach the 1,000 assist mark. 

Smith improves to 5-21 overall and earns their first conference win of the season to move to 1-8 in the NEWMAC. The Lyons drop to 7-15, 0-9 NEWMAC.

The Pioneers dropped the opening set before winning the next three. MHC held a 21-17 lead in the second set until a Jenna Rubin (Norfolk, Conn./Suffield Academy) kills sparked a run of seven-straight Pioneers points as the home team took a 24-21 lead. A kill by Emma Sweeting gave the Lyons hope but a successful attack by Mei-Li Smith (Cypress, Calif./Cypress) gave the Pioneers the second set. 

The home team held a comfortable 23-19 edge in the third set, however, the Lyons would record the next three points to come within 23-22. Smith regrouped and kills by Ella Prince (New York, N.Y./Rudolf Steiner) and Me-Li Smith gave them the set three victory.

The Pioneers jumped out to a quick 11-4 lead in the fourth set, only to be answered by a run of eight points from the Lyons. The match remained back and forth until Smith ended with four in a row to claim victory. 

Mei-Li Smith (Cypress, Calif./Cypress) turned in another outstanding performance of 19 digs, 19 assists and 10 kills, while sophomore middle blocked posted 13 kills, hitting .235 and came up big on the defensive end with six total blocks. Freshman outside hitter Macarena Rojas (Maipu, Santiago, Chile/Liceo No. 1 Javiera Carrera) was the third Pioneer to record double-digit kills as she finished with 11 to go along with 15 assists and 21 digs. 

For the visitors, Emma Sweeting hammered down 14 kills with 15 digs and two service aces, while Jamesa Allen recorded 11 kills, hitting .212.Sara Robicheau finished with a game-high 23 digs and setter Natalie Lyon added 34 assists. 

The Pioneers are back in action on Thursday when they close out their home slate against Suffolk at 7:00 p.m. That game will see Smith honor its lone senior Mei-Li Smith (Cypress, Calif./Cypress). MHC travels to WPI Saturday, October 31 at 1:00 as their regular season comes to an end.