Smith 3, Bay Path 0
September 12, 2017
Ainsworth Gymnasium | Northampton, Mass.
Records: Smith 5-2; Bay Path 3-3

Smith College junior setter Maca Rojas (Santiago, Chile/Liceo No. 1 Javiera Carrera) recorded her 1,000th career assist in Tuesday's 3-0 win over Bay Path University at Ainsworth Gymnasium. 

The Pioneers came out strong in the first set, topping the Wildcats 25-17 before an even more dominating performance in the second set where Smith hammered down 17 kills while hitting .333 for a 25-16 victory. After briefly trailing in the third set, Smith regained composure to finish the sweep 25-18. 

SMITH HIGHLIGHTS

• Rojas becomes the 11th player in school history to cross 1,000 assists as she sits at 1,038 and counting. The junior finished the match with 38 helpers and four service aces.
• First year Caleigh Johnson (Georgetown, Tex./St. Dominic Savio Catholic) continues to be a force, finishing with a career-high 13 kills.
• Sakura Tamaki (New York, N.Y./Fiorello H. LaGuardia) led the way on defense with 19 digs.
• Smith has already surpassed its win total from last year as the Pioneers earned its fifth victory of the season tonight.
• The Pioneers remain undefeated at home with their 4-0 record in 2017.

HOW IT HAPPENED
SET 1
The Pioneers snagged the opening point and jumped out to a 5-0 lead on three service aces from Rojas. She then reached her milestone assist at 10-3 on a kill from sophomore Charlotte Strine (New York, N.Y./Brooklyn Friends). The Wildcats pulled to within seven (20-13) but Smith closed out the set on a kill from Johnson.
SET 2
The Pioneers jumped out to a 4-0 lead and never looked back, forcing Bay Path to take a time out trailing 11-6. The Wildcats put together a 5-0 run to come within five (20-15), however Smith would close the set by scoring five of the final six points.
SET 3
After beginning at a three-point deficit, Smith closed the gap and took the lead on Helena Wiatrowski (Winchester, Mass./Winchester)'s ace. After three-point runs from each team, the Pioneers won the match on a service error from the Wildcats.

UP NEXT
The Pioneers begin NEWMAC action Saturday when the Pioneers travel to MIT for a tri-match with the host Engineers and Simmons.

About Smith Athletics: Smith College is a NCAA Division III member of the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference that sponsors 11 intercollegiate sports. For more information log on to smithpioneers.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.