CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - The Smith College softball team dropped a 9-0 decision to No, 6 MIT in the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) opener Tuesday afternoon.

Doubles Highlights

• In the number one doubles position, Lili and Clara Goshgarian (Lake Forest, IL/Lake Forest) took on the number three ranked doubles team in the region. After dropping the first game, the pair quickly recovered to showcase their strength as a doubles team. The Pioneers exchanged games going  2-2 early in the set. The duo created many opportunities for themselves, putting the pressure on the Engineers when up at the net before dropping the set 8-2. 
• In the number two doubles position Alexa and Olivia Monos (Reading, PA/Wilson) teamed up for the first time in college play. The first year sibling duo showed great promise as a doubles team, especially when committing to dictating play. Even though the pair dropped the decision 8-0, there is a lot of promise looking ahead to the rest of the season.  
• In the number three position, Elsa Hillis (Georgetown, Tex./Georgetown) and Ashley Felix (El Paso, Tex./Americas) competed together for the first time this season. Hillis and Felix played a tough team and didn't stop battling. They fought their way onto the board before the Engineers captured the set 8-1. 

Singles Highlights

• Ashley Felix (El Paso, Tex./Americas), Alexa Monos (Reading, PA/Wilson), and Olivia Monos (Reading, PA/Wilson) all dropped their decisions 6-0, 6-0. All three athletes showed great moments of promise and left the court feeling ready to take on the next challenge. 
• Miranda Gibson (Bethlehem, PA/Moravian Academy) was ready for a challenge from Irene Huang in the number 6 position. After struggling to find her game in the first set, Miranda started to settle into the second. Gibson created more opportunities to get her opponent off balance and create chances for her to dictate play. Even so, Huang was able to close out the match 6-0. 6-2. 
• Clara Goshgarian (Lake Forest, IL/Lake Forest) faced a tough opponent in Kim Liao, the 9th ranked player in the region. Clara was able to disrupt Liao's rhythm with her creative and aggressive play. After Liao won the first set 6-3, she jumped ahead quickly in the second to secure the win 6-3, 6-1. 
• Lili Goshgarian (Lake Forest, IL/Lake Forest) had an impressive battle against the number 6th ranked singles player in the region, Sarah Pertsemlidis. Lili showcased her ability to redirect play and stay in control of the point. After dropping a close first set, 6-4, Lili maintained her composure and continued to battle. Pertsemlidis managed to hold off Lili, securing the second set and the match 6-2. 

Up Next
Smith returns to the court tomorrow and will host Babson at 4:00 p.m. in the ITT.

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.