WORCESTER, Mass. — Smith College defeated WPI in four sets on Thursday at Harrington Auditorium, winning 25-13, 25-22, 21-25, 25-16. The Bears notched 49 kills with a hitting percentage of .252, while WPI struggled offensively, recording a negative hitting percentage of -.015. Smith's service game was highlighted by seven aces, contributing to the team's overall 69 points.

Smith began the first set assertively against WPI, establishing an early 4-0 lead with contributions from Mia Etheridge (Half Moon Bay, CA/Half Moon Bay) and Anna Feuer (Frederick, MD/Governor Thomas Johnson), including a service ace by Etheridge. The Bears maintained momentum through effective blocking, with Abby Hunt (Mandeville, LA/Fontainebleau) and Feuer combining for key stops that increased their advantage. WPI briefly responded to narrow the gap, but Smith's consistent offensive pressure, highlighted by kills from Hunt and a service ace from Claudia Poehlmann (Chicago, IL/Lane Tech), kept them ahead.

As the set progressed, Smith's defensive efforts continued to limit WPI's scoring opportunities. A decisive kill by Addison Klunder (Los Angeles, CA/The Buckley School) extended the lead, and Smith closed out the set with a service ace from Alison Chapin (Temecula, CA/Temecula Valley High School). The Bears ended the first set with a commanding 25-13 score.

Smith entered the second set with momentum, quickly establishing a lead through strong defensive efforts and precise serving. Etheridge and Feuer combined for a block that scored the first point, and Poehlmann followed with consecutive service aces, pushing Smith to a 4-1 advantage.

As the set progressed, Klunder capitalized on a setup from Skye Higashihara (Honolulu, HI/'Iolani School) for a kill, extending Smith's lead to 8-4. Despite a brief rally from WPI, Smith maintained their edge, with Ruby Woodward (Winchester, MA/Winchester) delivering a service ace to widen the gap to 17-14. Chapin's kill, assisted by Woodward, later restored the lead at 20-20.

In the closing stretch, the Bears solidified their position with decisive kills from Klunder and Feuer, sealing the set 25-22. The team's consistent attacking and defensive coordination were instrumental in maintaining their lead throughout.

Smith entered the third set with momentum swings and key contributions that kept the match competitive. Klunder delivered multiple timely kills, including one assisted by Higashihara, bringing Smith level early in the set. An efficient block by Hunt and Miranda Oakes (San Francisco, CA/San Francisco University) also highlighted their defensive efforts, cutting into the WPI lead.

As the set progressed, Smith managed to close the gap multiple times, with Chapin and Etheridge securing crucial points with well-placed kills. Despite these efforts, service errors hindered Smith's momentum at critical junctures. The set concluded with Smith trailing 25-21 as WPI secured the final point with a kill from Julia Colantuoni, assisted by Lauren Boycourt.

Smith opened the fourth set with a kill from Chapin, assisted by Higashihara, setting the tone early. Despite an attack error by Feuer, Smith quickly regained momentum with a kill from Klunder, assisted by Higashihara, to maintain a slim lead. The set remained competitive, but a series of WPI errors, including two attack errors by Anastasia Kelnik, allowed Smith to pull ahead.

Smith capitalized on WPI's mistakes and extended their lead as Chapin and Hunt contributed key kills. Maddie Hliboki's (Valley Village, CA/Harvard Westlake) setting facilitated an effective offensive stretch, including a crucial kill by Etheridge. Klunder and Feuer's blocks played a pivotal role in maintaining Smith's advantage, as they closed the set with a 5-2 scoring run.

The set concluded with Smith securing a decisive 25-16 victory, highlighted by a final kill from Feuer. This strong finish underscored Smith's control throughout the fourth set, allowing them to close the match effectively.

Klunder led the team with 15 kills and posted a team-high 17 digs, contributing significantly to the team's defensive efforts. Hunt added eight kills and matched Oakes in blocks, both recording four block assists. Feuer registered seven total blocks, including three solo efforts, while also adding five kills to her stats. 

Smith holds an overall record of 11-7 and is 2-2 in the NEWMAC conference. WPI carries an overall record of 8-7 with a 1-3 mark in NEWMAC play.

Looking ahead, the Bears will travel to Norton, Mass., to face Wheaton College (Mass.) on Saturday, Oct. 4. The match is set to begin at noon.

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 onto GoSmithBears.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.