Wellesley, MA — On Tuesday evening, the Smith College volleyball team secured a thrilling 3-1 win (19-25, 25-14, 25-22, 25-21) over Babson College at Staake Gymnasium. This NEWMAC showdown allowed Smith to push their season record to 23-5 and conference record to 8-1.
Match Highlights
- Smith started off slowly, falling 25-19 to Babson as they worked to find their rhythm.
- Abby Hunt (Mandeville, LA/Fontainebleau) kept Smith competitive with four key kills, while Taylor Gwynne (Chapel Hill, NC/Carrborro) contributed 8 assists to set up the offense.
- Despite a late push from Mia Etheridge (Half Moon Bay, CA/Half Moon Bay), Babson managed to close out the set, keeping Smith on the defensive.
- Smith responded with authority, taking the second set 25-14. Etheridge and Hunt led a resurgent offense, each delivering multiple kills to set the pace.
- Gwynne orchestrated the attack beautifully, pushing Smith's hitting percentage up to .250.
- Miranda Oakes (San Francisco, CA/San Francisco University) came through with two crucial blocks that stifled Babson's comeback attempts, and Olivia Smith (Mill Valley, CA/Tamalpais) finished the set with a service ace, capping off a 5-point run that turned the tide in Smith's favor.
- The third set was a back-and-forth affair with seven ties.
- Smith's resilience showed as they edged out Babson 25-22. With the score tied 20-20, Gwynne's service ace sparked a late run.
- Olivia Smith (Mill Valley, CA/Tamalpais) and Anna Feuer (Frederick, MD/Governor Thomas Johnson) combined for key defensive stops, and Etheridge's cross-court kill brought Smith to set point. The Pioneers clinched the set thanks to Hunt's strong finish, giving them a 2-1 match lead.
- The final set remained close with four ties, but Smith's offense powered through to secure a 25-21 win.
- Etheridge and Hunt continued to lead the attack, while Olivia Smith (Mill Valley, CA/Tamalpais) served two aces to keep Babson on their heels.
Box Score:
- Abby Hunt (Mandeville, LA/Fontainebleau) led Smith with 17 kills on a .350 hitting percentage, along with two blocks.
- Mia Etheridge (Half Moon Bay, CA/Half Moon Bay) added 18 kills, 9 digs, and 1 block assist.
- Taylor Gwynne (Chapel Hill, NC/Carrborro) recorded 34 assists, 19 digs, and 5 block assists.
- Olivia Smith (Mill Valley, CA/Tamalpais) contributed 6 service aces and 8 digs.
Up Next:
Smith returns to Ainsworth Gymnasium on Saturday, as they have a tri-match with Baruch and Maine Maritime. First serve versus Baruch is at 1pm.
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.
