NORTHAMPTON, MASS. - The Smith College volleyball team prevailed over Elmira in a striking five-set match on Friday evening. The Pioneers improve to a record of 7-2 on the season while the Eagles drop to a record of 5-4.

Highlights

• The first set was a close battle as the teams traded in back-and-forth play until Elmira produced a slight edge to win the set 25-22.
• Smith responded in the second set with an early lead after a 9-0 run.
• Elmira collected their first point of the set after a service error, however the Pioneers continued to persevere posting a number of kills and aces.
• With Smith in the lead in the second set 15-6, the Pioneers continued to dominate notching a six-point run to bring the score to 21-6.
• The Eagles recorded two more points in the set but was not able to hold off as Smith concluded the set with a 25-8 victory.
• With Smith in the lead in the third 19-14, the Pioneers increased their advantage with a six-point sweep to win the set 25-14.
• Despite an early 7-3 edge by Smith in the fourth set, Elmira responded with a 6-1 run to take a slight 9-8 lead. 
• The two teams continued in back-and-forth play keeping the score close. 
• Ultimately, Elmira was able to pull away and claim the fourth set with a 25-19 victory.
• Smith converted the pressure into a dominating final set as the Pioneers pulled away with a significant 9-2 advantage.
• Elmira fought back but was unable to hold off Smith as the Pioneers finished the set 15-5 and emerged to a 3-2 overall victory. 

Notes

• Sophomore Abby Sweeney (Spring, TX/Klein) led the Smith attack with 13 kills, while first-year Abby Hunt (Mandeville, LA/Fontainebleau) and classmate Mia Moscicki (Medford Lakes, NJ/Shawnee) delivered seven and six kills, respectively.
• First-year Claudia Poehlmann (Chicago, IL/Lane Tech) and sophomore Olivia Smith (Mill Valley, Calif./Tamalpais) posted five service aces each
• Sophomore Nathalie Pak (Lexington, MA/Lexington) added a season-high 23 assists and 10 digs, while junior Gabby Beckman (Aurora, Colo./Grandview) recorded a season-high 22 digs

Up Next
Smith returns to the court tomorrow afternoon on Saturday, September 17 as the Pioneers hosts NEWMAC opponent Wheaton College at 1 pm and non-conference New Paltz at 5 pm.

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.