Baltimore, MD — On Friday evening, Smith College volleyball's impressive season concluded with a hard-fought 3-0 loss (22-25, 20-25, 20-25) to Ithaca College in the NCAA Tournament Second Round at Goldfarb Gymnasium on the campus of Johns Hopkins University. Despite valiant efforts from Mia Etheridge (Half Moon Bay, CA/Half Moon Bay), Abby Hunt (Mandeville, LA/Fontainebleau), and Taylor Gwynne (Chapel Hill, NC/Carrborro), the Pioneers were unable to overcome Ithaca's balanced attack and sharp serving.

Match Highlights

• Smith started with energy, keeping pace with Ithaca in the early stages. 
• Abby Hunt (Mandeville, LA/Fontainebleau) opened the match with two quick kills, while Miranda Oakes (San Francisco, CA/San Francisco University) and Anna Feuer (Frederick, MD/Governor Thomas Johnson) combined for a pivotal block to tie the score at 8-8.
• With Gwynne delivering precise sets, Mia Etheridge (Half Moon Bay, CA/Half Moon Bay) tallied three consecutive kills to help Smith gain a slim 15-14 lead.
• After Ithaca went on a 4-0 run, Gwynne disrupted their rhythm with a service ace, narrowing the gap to 22-20.
• Despite a late kill by Hunt, Ithaca's efficient hitting secured the 25-22 win.
• Smith battled hard in a set filled with momentum swings and long rallies.
• Etheridge continued her dominance, adding two cross-court kills to tie the set at 14-14.
• Dankovich's defensive prowess shone during a key rally, as she recorded three digs to keep the play alive, leading to a kill by Hunt.
• Down 21-18, Smith mounted a small rally with back-to-back kills from Abby Sweeney (Spring, TX/Klein), but Ithaca pulled away with strong serving to claim the set 25-20.
• Smith came out strong in the third set, with Hunt and Oakes combining for a block to establish an early 6-3 lead.
• Gwynne's clever dump over the net caught Ithaca off guard, extending Smith's advantage to 9-6. Ithaca responded with a run, but Etheridge kept Smith close with back-to-back kills, tying the score at 12-12. 
• Sarah Dankovich (El Paso, TX/Coronado) served an ace during a critical stretch to keep Smith within striking distance at 17-15. 
• However, Ithaca's consistency proved too much, and despite Hunt's late kill, Smith fell 25-20.

Box Score:

• Mia Etheridge (Half Moon Bay, CA/Half Moon Bay) delivered 14 kills, 17 digs, and 2 blocks, leading Smith in both offense and defense.
• Taylor Gwynne (Chapel Hill, NC/Carrborro) dished out 34 assists, added 5 digs, 2 blocks, and an ace to guide the offense.
• Abby Sweeney (Spring, TX/Klein): Recorded 9 kills on a .316 hitting percentage, providing a spark in key moments.
• Miranda Oakes (San Francisco, CA/San Francisco University) added 6 kills and 3 blocks, anchoring the defensive effort.

The Pioneers conclude their 2024 campaign with a 31-7 record, a NEWMAC Championship, and their first NCAA Tournament run in almost two decades.  Smith's determination and teamwork throughout the season have solidified their place as a rising power in Division III volleyball.

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, Instagram, and Twitter.