Northampton, MA — On Saturday afternoon, the Smith College volleyball team showed its strength by sweeping both Wellesley and Simmons in straight sets at Ainsworth Gymnasium. With these wins, Smith improved to 16-5 overall and 4-1 in NEWMAC play.

Game 1: Smith vs. Wellesley (3-0)

• Smith kicked off the day with a commanding 3-0 (25-19, 25-17, 25-15) win over Wellesley. The Pioneers controlled the match with a strong attack and excellent defense, allowing them to handle Wellesley's offense with ease.
• Smith's offense clicked early, with Abby Hunt (Mandeville, LA/Fontainebleau) and Abby Sweeney (Spring, TX/Klein) leading the way. Taylor Gwynne (Chapel HIll, NC/Carrborro) set the tone, contributing 27 assists and orchestrating the attack efficiently. The Pioneers established a lead, and despite some errors from Wellesley, Smith stayed ahead to take the set 25-19.
• In the second set, Smith showcased their hitting power with a .440 hitting percentage. Mia Etheridge (Half Moon Bay, CA/Half Moon Bay) was key with eight kills, while Hunt and Sweeney continued their strong play.
• Smith's defense, anchored by Ari Cross (Milwaukee, WI/Rufus King), held Wellesley to just a .094 attack percentage, sealing the set at 25-17. 
• Smith kept the momentum going into the third set, with a .400 hitting percentage
• They capitalized on errors from Wellesley, and Miranda Oakes (San Francisco, CA/San Francisco University) and Anna Feuer (Frederick, MD/Governor Thomas Johnson) added key blocks. Smith closed the match with a 25-15 victory to secure the 3-0 sweep.

Game 2: Smith vs. Simmons (3-0)

• In the second match of the day, Smith continued its dominance, defeating Simmons 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 25-16). Although Simmons pushed the Pioneers at times, Smith's depth and consistency ultimately secured the win.
• The first set was the most competitive, with Simmons challenging Smith throughout. A kill from Sweeney and key digs from Feuer helped Smith edge ahead. Despite Simmons pulling within one point, Smith held on to take the set 25-23.
• In the second set, Smith tightened up its defense, and Gwynne once again controlled the play, delivering 21 assists. Smith pulled away in the middle of the set with kills from Olivia Mendoza (Chino Hills, CA/Ruben S. Ayala) and Sweeney, finishing the set 25-20.
• Smith dominated the third set, hitting .357 as a team. Etheridge and Feuer added crucial kills, and Abby Hunt's (Mandeville, LA/Fontainebleau) strong serving helped Smith maintain their lead. Simmons couldn't find an answer, and Smith closed out the match 25-16 to complete the sweep.

Box Score:

• Taylor Gwynne (Chapel HIll, NC/Carrborro) had 48 assists across both matches, contributing to Smith's offensive rhythm.
• Abby Sweeney (Spring, TX/Klein) led the team with 17 kills over the two matches.
• Mia Etheridge (Half Moon Bay, CA/Half Moon Bay) had a strong performance with 14 kills and solid defensive play.

Up Next:

Smith returns to play next Tuesday against Salve Regina in Ainsworth Gymnasium at 6pm. 

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, and  Instagram.