Springfield, MA — The Smith College volleyball team faced a hard-fought 3-1 defeat (25-20, 21-25, 19-25, 18-25) to Springfield College at Blake Arena. After taking the first set with a dominant start, the Pioneers couldn't hold off Springfield's surge, ultimately falling in four sets on Tuesday night. 

Match Highlights

• Smith came out firing in the first set, establishing an early 9-4 lead thanks to a key service ace from Ari Cross (Milwaukee, WI/Rufus King) and consecutive kills from Abby Sweeney (Spring, TX/Klein) and Mia Etheridge (Half Moon Bay, CA/Half Moon Bay).
• Springfield fought back to close the gap, but Smith maintained control.
• At 19-14, Abby Hunt's (Mandeville, LA/Fontainebleau) powerful kill from Taylor Gwynne (Chapel HIll, NC/Carrborro) helped Smith pull away, and a late service ace by Sarah Dankovich (El Paso, TX/Coronado) sealed the 25-20 win for the Pioneers.
• The second set was a battle from the start, with nine ties throughout.
• Smith kept it close, with Abby Hunt (Mandeville, LA/Fontainebleau) landing another critical kill to make it 16-16. However, a series of attack errors allowed Springfield to pull ahead, and a final block gave Springfield a 25-21 victory, leveling the match at 1-1.
• Springfield carried their momentum into the third set, jumping out to a quick 10-7 lead.
• Smith responded with a string of points, with Etheridge and Sweeney contributing crucial kills to bring the score to 14-14.
• Springfield delivered two service aces in a pivotal stretch that gave the team the edge.
• Despite Smith's efforts to claw back, Springfield took the set 25-19, moving ahead 2-1 in the match.
• In the fourth and final set, Smith started strong, but Springfield's defense made it difficult for the Pioneers to find rhythm.
• After a 10-10 tie, Springfield pulled away with blocks.
• Smith managed to stay close, but costly errors and Springfield's consistent offense led to a 25-18 final set win, securing the match for Springfield.

Box Score:

• Abby Hunt (Mandeville, LA/Fontainebleau) led Smith with 16 kills on 35 attempts, contributing a .257 hitting percentage.
• Abby Sweeney (Spring, TX/Klein) added 13 kills and 3 blocks.
• Taylor Gwynne (Chapel HIll, NC/Carrborro) led the team with 33 assists, while adding 4 kills and 7 digs.
• Ari Cross (Milwaukee, WI/Rufus King) delivered 3 aces and contributed on defense with 3 digs.

Up Next

The Pioneers resume competition next Saturday, October 12th at 12pm and 2pm as they host Wellesley and Simmons in Ainsworth Gymnasium. 

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.