Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 NEWPORT, R.I. — Smith College had a thrilling day at the Rodgers Recreation Center, first edging Salve Regina University in a five-set battle, 25-19, 23-25, 24-26, 25-19, 15-7, before sweeping Worcester State University 25-19, 25-19, 25-8. The Bears showcased their strength with a combined total of 72 kills and impressive defensive plays throughout the matches, including 12 service aces against Worcester State.

In the match against Salve Regina, Smith's standout performance included 60 kills and 10 blocks. The Bears began the first set with a balanced attack, quickly responding to Salve Regina's opening point with a kill by Mia Etheridge (Half Moon Bay, CA/Half Moon Bay). Key contributions from Addison Klunder (Los Angeles, CA/The Buckley School) and Uma Schulz (Riverwoods, IL/Deerfield High School) helped the Bears maintain momentum. At 7-7, Miranda Oakes' (San Francisco, CA/San Francisco University) kill from Ruby Woodward (Winchester, MA/Winchester) initiated a crucial shift in the match. Smith built a lead that extended to 16-12, with Etheridge's series of kills driving the score to 20-14. A decisive kill from Oakes ended the set at 25-19 in favor of Smith.

The second set saw Smith open strong defensively, taking an early lead with a block by Oakes. The teams exchanged points, but Etheridge's performance kept the Bears competitive. Despite a tight contest, Salve Regina secured the set with a 25-23 result after a back-and-forth battle. In the third set, Smith initially led 11-6, but Salve Regina rallied, clinching the set 26-24 with consecutive service aces.

Smith rebounded in the fourth set, gaining momentum with a series of strategic plays. A decisive 5-point run, aided by key blocks from Oakes and Etheridge, helped Smith to a 25-19 victory, forcing a fifth set. The Bears started strong in the fifth, building a lead to 5-1. Etheridge's continued impact on the scoreboard, including her fourth kill of the frame, sealed the match at 15-7.

Etheridge led the Bears with 26 kills on 46 swings, finishing with a .478 hitting percentage and 27 points. Oakes added nine kills and four blocks, contributing 12.5 points. Woodward posted 22 assists and three service aces, while Klunder supported the defense with 11 digs and seven kills.

In the match against Worcester State, Smith dominated right from the start, opening the first set with a service ace by Skye Higashihara (Honolulu, HI/'Iolani School). The Bears capitalized on 17 attack errors from Worcester, ultimately closing the first set at 25-19 with a decisive kill from Uma Schulz (Riverwoods, IL/Deerfield High School). Smith maintained control in the second set, converting Worcester's errors into points, and finished with another 25-19 scoreline, thanks to strong contributions from Teske and Feuer.

The third set saw Smith truly shine, opening with a strong lead bolstered by Higashihara's service aces. The Bears continued to build their lead with multiple aces and strong offensive plays, concluding the set at 25-8, showcasing their dominance.

Oakes recorded a perfect hitting percentage of 1.000 with two kills and contributed four block assists against Worcester. Hunt added six kills and nine digs, while Higashihara led with 16 assists and five service aces. Klunder also tallied six kills and nine digs, along with three service aces.

The Bears improved their overall record to 15-7 and maintained a 5-2 mark in NEWMAC conference play. Salve Regina now holds an overall record of 8-10, and Worcester State stands at 6-15. Smith's next challenge is against Emerson College on October 21 at Ainsworth Gym in Northampton, Mass., set to begin at 7 p.m.