SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - The Springfield College women's volleyball team eased its way past Smith in a New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) meeting on Tuesday in Blake Arena.  Springfield won the scores of 25-13, 25-19, 25-16. Springfield pushed its record to 16-2, 6-0 on conference play, while Smith dropped to 2-14, 0-5.

NOTABLE

• Sophomore Amy Hagen (Owings, Md./Northern) led the way with 10 kills and seven digs.
• Junior Kimani Freeman (Newark, N.J./Montclair Kimberly Academy) totaled 20 assists and two aces.
• Junior Jody Huang (Cranston, R.I./Cranston) finished with 14 digs.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Springfield used a four-point burst to gain a 13-8 cushion in the opening set as the Pride benefited from three early kills by Walsh to set the tone to force Smith into a timeout.  Out of the break, Springfield continued to find Walsh in the middle, as the junior accounted for four kills as part of another 5-0 surge to give the hosts a comfortable 18-8 edge.  The Pride's lead would soar to 20-8 following back-to-back aces from Tanner before eventually take the 25-13 win on a kill from Gabrielle Bradley. Springfield totaled 14 kills on a .440 hitting percentage in the set, with Walsh delivering seven kills. 

The Pride struggled to get into a rhythm in the second set and Smith took advantage by seizing a 13-7 lead and forcing the hosts into a timeout.  Out of the break, Springfield manufactured a 12-2 run, with Labadorf posting consecutive aces to lead the way.  Springfield would again be incredibly efficient offensively, getting 15 kills on a .424 hitting percentage to take the 25-19 victory following a big swing from Kayley Cimino.

Demi Spanos and Kait Bonsignore teamed for a huge stuff at 8-3 in the third, but the Pioneers would pull within 10-9 on a Pride miscue.  However, Springfield would get a momentum-shifting block from Walsh and Hayley Kmetz to kickstart a 8-1 run that put the set out of reach at 18-10 after a kill by Walsh.  Walsh and Stella Madden would put the finishing touches on the night, teaming for a block on the pin to compete the 25-16 win.

UP NEXT
Smith travels to Southern Vermont for a 7:00 p.m. match on Friday, October 5.

(Recap courtesy to Springfield Athletics)

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.