NORTHAMPTON, Mass. - The Smith College volleyball team shouldered a 3-0 (25-12, 25-16, 25-20) loss to Wellesley College in New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) action Tuesday evening at Ainsworth Gymnasium. With the win, the Blue remain undefeated on the season, moving to 9-0 overall and 4-0 in conference play. The Pioneers dip to 1-12 and are now 0-4 in the NEWMAC.
NOTABLE
- Sophomore Caleigh Johnson (Georgetown, Tex./St. Dominic Savio Catholic) finished with a game-high 10 kills and three blocks.
- Sophomore Amy Hagen (Owings, Md./Northern) put forth an all-around effort posting nine kills, six digs, and two assists.
- Sophomore Claire Cicchetti (Menlo Park, Calif./Woodside) added seven kills.
- Junior Kimani Freeman (Newark, N.J./Montclair Kimberly Academy) recorded 20 assists.
- Junior Jody Huang (Cranston, R.I./Cranston) led the Pioneers defensively with 16 digs.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Set 1
The Blue jumped out to a 12-3 lead, hitting .409 in the opening set. Smith was able to come within 15-10 on a kill from Cicchetti but the visitors closed it out on a 10-2 run.
Set 2
The Pioneers hit .309 on 13 kills in the second set. Johnson hammered down three kills as Smith opened with a 6-2 lead. Wellesley would not go down without a fight and rattled off eight points en route to a 25-16 set two victory.
Set 3
A service error from the Pioneers gave Wellesley a 20-14 advantage but Smith would go on the attack and come to within two points (21-19) on Huang's ace. Three points from the Blue was enough to close out the set 25-20.
UP NEXT
Smith hosts Wheaton College and Plymouth State University for a tri-match on Saturday, September 29 at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
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.
