NORTHAMPTON, Mass. — Smith College swept Emerson College 25-19, 25-16, 25-16 on Tuesday at Ainsworth Gymnasium. The Bears' efficient attack, featuring a .318 hitting percentage, and a strong serving game with 10 aces, propelled the home team to a decisive victory. Their defense also played a key role, recording 11 total blocks against Emerson's attack.

Smith started the first set with a strong showing, quickly capitalizing on an attack error by the opposition to gain an early lead. Skye Higashihara (Honolulu, HI/'Iolani School) facilitated an effective offense, contributing multiple assists, including key kills from Alison Chapin (Temecula, CA/Temecula Valley High School) and Miranda Oakes (San Francisco, CA/San Francisco University), which helped the Bears build a 7-3 advantage. 

They maintained momentum with a series of strategic plays, including service aces from Claudia Poehlmann (Chicago, IL/Lane Tech) and Ruby Woodward (Winchester, MA/Winchester), extending their lead to 13-6. Although Emerson responded with a few points, Smith's defense, highlighted by blocks from Anna Feuer (Frederick, MD/Governor Thomas Johnson) and Addison Klunder (Los Angeles, CA/The Buckley School), kept the home team in control.

As the set progressed, Higashihara's serving further strengthened Smith's position, securing back-to-back aces to widen the lead to 21-17. Chapin's consistent performance contributed significantly to closing out the set, with the Bears ultimately securing a 25-19 victory to finish the first set.

Smith began the second set by establishing control with a series of strong plays. Abby Hunt (Mandeville, LA/Fontainebleau) contributed early with two kills, both assisted by Higashihara and Maddie Hliboki (Valley Village, CA/Harvard Westlake), driving Smith to a 4-0 lead. Defensive efforts by Feuer and Olivia Teske (Minneapolis, MN/South High Minneapolis), including a key block, maintained momentum, allowing the Bears to extend the score to 10-4.

Hliboki's serving prowess led to back-to-back aces, intensifying Smith's lead to 12-4. Klunder and Oakes combined efforts to keep the pressure on Emerson with effective blocks and kills. Despite a brief challenge from Emerson, Smith maintained their composure with Chapin and Teske contributing crucial points.

As the set neared its conclusion, Emerson attempted to close the gap but Smith's defensive stand, including a block by Oakes and Chapin, sealed the set with a final score of 25-16. The Bears closed the set confidently, maintaining their advantage throughout.

In the third set, Smith capitalized on early errors by Emerson to gain momentum. Higashihara's serve forced two consecutive ball-handling errors, allowing the Bears to jump to an early lead. Poehlmann and Hunt then extended the advantage with key kills, pushing the score to 6-2 in favor of Smith.

Smith continued to maintain control with effective blocking and precise attacks. Poehlmann's back-to-back service aces increased the lead, and Hunt added another kill to push the score further. Emerson attempted to close the gap, but the Bears' consistent pressure, highlighted by a service ace from Woodward, helped maintain the advantage.

As the set drew to a close, Smith managed to fend off Emerson's attempts to rally. Teske and Poehlmann contributed crucial points to secure the set, with Poehlmann delivering the final kill to seal a decisive 25-16 victory in the set.

Hunt led Smith with nine kills and a .421 hitting percentage, contributing significantly to the team's offensive efforts. Chapin added 11 kills while maintaining a .526 hitting percentage, showcasing her efficiency at the net. Klunder recorded eight kills and matched her teammate in blocking, with one solo block and four block assists. Feuer made a strong defensive impact, tallying one solo block and four block assists over two sets.

The Bears hold a 16-7 overall record and are 6-2 in NEWMAC conference play. Emerson stands at 12-10 overall with a 4-4 record in NEWMAC competition.

The next challenge for the Bears comes as they travel to Middletown, CT, to face Wesleyan University. The contest is set for October 24 at 7 p.m.

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