NORTHAMPTON, Mass. - The Smith College volleyball team wrapped up the 2019 season with a 3-1 loss to Clark University in a New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) match Saturday afternoon in Ainsworth Gymnasium. With the loss, the Pioneers finish the season year with an 8-21 overall record and 1-9 mark in conference play.

STARS OF THE MATCH
1. Junior Clair Cicchetti produced a team-high 10 kills
2. First-year Evi Evgeniou (Thessaloniki, Greece/Pinewood International) finished with 40 assists, four blocks, and three aces
3. Defesnively, first-year Gabby Beckman (Aurora, Colo./Grandview) led the way with 19 digs

HOW IT HAPPENED
Set 1
It was a back and forth affair in the beginning stages before a 7-0 run for the Pioneers gave them a 17-9 advantage on Caleigh Johnson's (Georgetown, Texas/St. Dominic Savio Catholic) kill. Another kill by Johnson would clinch the first set for Smith.

Set 2
The Cougars grabbed a 5-0 lead to get the frame started, but the Pioneers came right back with five straight points of their own to swing a 6-5 lead over to their side.The Pioneers were able to pull ahead, 15-13, but the Cougars would go on to score eight of the next nine points and eventually take the set 25-23.

Set 3
Clark carried the momentum on to the third set and jumped out to an 11-5 lead. Smith was able to come within four (15-11), but Clark buckled down and closed out the set 25-15.

Set 4
The Pioneers fought back from a 19-6 deficit with a rally to make it 24-19 on a kill by Ava Zollinger (Orlando, Fla./Lake Highland Prep). However, Clark would close out the match as Kacey Legare hammered down a kill for the win.



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.