Northampton, MA — On Saturday afternoon the Smith College volleyball team secured two impressive wins at Ainsworth Gymnasium, defeating Bowdoin in a hard-fought 3-1 match (25-15, 23-25, 25-19, 25-23) and following up with a dominant 3-0 sweep over Husson (25-8, 25-16, 25-19).

Match Highlights

• Smith started strong, with Abby Hunt (Mandeville, LA/Fontainebleau) setting the tone early by recording a powerful kill off a set from Taylor Gwynne (Chapel Hill, NC/Carrborro), giving Smith a 10-5 lead.
• Smith's offense was firing on all cylinders, with Mia Etheridge (Half Moon Bay, CA/Half Moon Bay) contributing three consecutive kills to extend the lead.
• Bowdoin responded with a fierce comeback in the second set, edging Smith 25-23.
•  Bowdoin challenged Smith's defense, and despite Sarah Dankovich's (El Paso, TX/Coronado) five digs in the set, Smith couldn't hold the lead.
• With the score tied at 22-22, a serving error by Smith allowed Bowdoin to capitalize and close out the set.
• The Pioneers regrouped in the third, pulling ahead with a series of kills from Miranda Oakes (San Francisco, CA/San Francisco University).
• Gwynne's smart set choices kept the offense unpredictable, while Ari Cross (Milwaukee, WI/Rufus King) added a service ace that extended Smith's lead to 18-13.
• A late block by Abby Hunt (Mandeville, LA/Fontainebleau) helped Smith secure the set 25-19, regaining momentum in the match.
• The final set was a nail-biter, with eight ties and multiple lead changes. Smith held a slim 23-22 lead and after a tense rally, Mia Etheridge (Half Moon Bay, CA/Half Moon Bay) finished the match with a strong kill down the line, closing the set at 25-23 and securing the 3-1 victory.
• Smith came out firing in their second match, overwhelming Husson with a 25-8 win in the first set.
• Ari Cross (Milwaukee, WI/Rufus King) was unstoppable with four kills in the set, and Etheridge added two service aces to build a 12-4 lead.
• With Husson struggling to break Smith's serve, the set ended decisively as Ruby Woodward (Winchester, MA/Winchester) contributed a block at set point.
• Husson showed resilience in the second set, but Smith maintained control with strong plays.
• With the score at 18-14, Olivia Mendoza (Chino Hills, CA/Ruben S. Ayala) executed a perfectly timed kill to shift momentum back to Smith.
• Woodward continued to spread the ball efficiently, enabling Cross and Miranda Oakes (San Francisco, CA/San Francisco University) to deliver consecutive kills, finishing the set at 25-16.
• The third set saw Smith stay ahead, though Husson kept the score close. At 20-17, Etheridge delivered a pivotal kill, energizing the Pioneers and widening their lead.
• Smith closed out the set 25-19 with Mendoza delivering the final kill, completing the sweep.

Box Score:

• Mia Etheridge (Half Moon Bay, CA/Half Moon Bay) contributed 24 kills, 12 digs, and six aces.
• Ari Cross (Milwaukee, WI/Rufus King) contributed 13 kills against Husson with a high hitting percentage in the second match against Husson. 
• Smith improves their winning streak to eight games, and improve their record to 22-5. 

Up Next:

Smith returns to NEWMAC play next Tuesday, as they hit the road to take on Babson. First serve is at 7pm. 

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.