NORTHAMPTON, Mass. - The Framingham State University volleyball team handed Smith College a 3-0 defeat this evening in non-conference action at Ainsworth Gymnasium. The Rams earned the sweep by scores of 25-10, 25-22 and 25-15.

FSU improves to 12-6 on the season while the Pioneers drop to 3-14. 

The Rams were paced by a double double effort from senior Alycia Rackliffe. Rackliffe recorded a match-best 16 kills on 34 attempts with just one error to go along with 18 digs. Sophomore Mackenzie Whalen tallied 24 assists, while Victoria Anderson, Julia Wan and Deirdre Fay each finished with eight digs. 

The Pioneers were led by eight kills from junior Xela MIller, while classmate Elizabeth Peay (Lebanon, Conn./Lyman Memorial) added five kills and four blocks. Senior libero Julie Voorhes (Ramona, Calif./Ramona) led the defensive effort with 16 digs and two aces. Sophomore setter Maca Rojas (Santiago, Chile/Liceo No. 1 Javiera Carrera) ran the offense to the tune of 18 assists to go along with nine digs and two blocks. First-year Iris Ifantchao came up big on defense, recording a career-high five blocks. 

The Rams hit a match-high .429 in the first set en route to a 25-10 win. Smith responded and played a much better offensive set with 11 kills as the home team took a 10-5 lead in the second set. However, the Rams closed out the set with four straight points for a 25-22 win. FSU jumped out to a 14-3 lead in the third and would not look back as they completed the sweep.

Smith returns to New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) play Thursday when they welcome WPI at 7:00 p.m.