Northampton, MA — On Saturday afternoon, the Smith College volleyball team continued its stellar season with two straight-set victories, defeating Wheaton College (25-22, 25-17, 25-19) and Westfield State (25-12, 25-16, 25-19) at Ainsworth Gymnasium. These wins pushed Smith's record to 19-5 overall and 6-1 in NEWMAC play. 

Match Highlights

• Smith started the day with a strong showing against Wheaton, sweeping the match in three sets.
• In the first set, Smith battled early errors but surged ahead midway through with key kills from Abby Hunt (Mandeville, LA/Fontainebleau) and Mia Etheridge (Half Moon Bay, CA/Half Moon Bay), who combined for 7 kills in the set.
• Sarah Dankovich (El Paso, TX/Coronado) controlled the service line added 4 service aces.
• Despite a late rally from Wheaton, Smith closed out the set 25-22 with a well-timed block from Abby Sweeney (Spring, TX/Klein).
• Smith found their rhythm in the second set, hitting at a .267 clip. Abby Hunt (Mandeville, LA/Fontainebleau) led the charge with 7 kills, while Taylor Gwynne (Chapel Hill, NC/Carrborro) distributed 12 assists.
• Smith capitalized on Wheaton's attack errors and extended their lead, comfortably taking the set 25-17.
• The Pioneers maintained their momentum into the third set, securing a 25-19 win. Olivia Teske (Minneapolis, MN/South High Minneapolis) added 6 digs, anchoring Smith's defense to put the set out of reach for Wheaton.
• In the second match, Smith overpowered Westfield State with a clean sweep, led by an impressive offensive and defensive effort.
• Smith came out firing, dominating the first set with a .542 hitting percentage. Abby Hunt (Mandeville, LA/Fontainebleau) and Claudia Poehlmann (Chicago, IL/Lane Tech) combined for 11 kills, while Taylor Gwynne (Chapel Hill, NC/Carrborro) added 14 assists.
• The Pioneers built an insurmountable lead and took the set 25-12. Westfield State showed some resilience in the second set, but Smith's defense, led by Ari Cross (Milwaukee, WI/Rufus King) with 13 digs, kept them at bay.
• Smith's 5 service aces in the set, including two from Olivia Teske (Minneapolis, MN/South High Minneapolis), helped them seal the set 25-16.
• In the final set, Smith's offense continued to dominate with contributions from Olivia Mendoza (Chino Hills, CA/Ruben S. Ayala) and Anna Feuer (Frederick, MD/Governor Thomas Johnson).

Box Score:

• Abby Hunt (Mandeville, LA/Fontainebleau) had 13 kills across both matches.
• Mia Etheridge (Half Moon Bay, CA/Half Moon Bay) contributed 11 kills and strong defensive play.
• Taylor Gwynne (Chapel Hill, NC/Carrborro) orchestrated the offense with 31 assists between the two matches.

Up Next:

Smith resumes competition next Tuesday, October 22nd at 7pm as they travel to Boston to take on the Emerson Lions as they continue NEWMAC play. 

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.