HARTFORD, Conn. — Trinity College overcame Smith College in a five-set battle on Saturday at Ray Oosting Gymnasium, rallying from a two-set deficit to win 14-25, 15-25, 25-20, 25-23, 17-15. The Bears' effort included a strong 15 total blocks, while Trinity capitalized on a late surge to seal the victory.

Smith opened the first set with a strong performance, quickly establishing momentum with a service ace from Skye Higashihara (Honolulu, HI/'Iolani School). The team capitalized on this early advantage, with Miranda Oakes (San Francisco, CA/San Francisco University) and Addison Klunder (Los Angeles, CA/The Buckley School) contributing kills to extend the lead. The Bears' defense was effective, as Abby Hunt (Mandeville, LA/Fontainebleau) and Oakes combined for a block, contributing to a series of scoring plays that widened the gap to 7-1. 

Smith continued to apply pressure through consistent offensive plays, including multiple kills by Alison Chapin (Temecula, CA/Temecula Valley High School) and Hunt. Higashihara was instrumental, providing several assists that kept the offense fluid. Despite Trinity's attempts to narrow the score with contributions from Ellie Gordon and Sarai Davis, the Bears maintained control. The set concluded with Smith sealing a 25-14 win, highlighted by a service ace from Hana Suzuki (Chattanooga, TN/East Hamilton High School) and a concluding block by Olivia Teske (Minneapolis, MN/South High Minneapolis) and Anna Feuer (Frederick, MD/Governor Thomas Johnson).

Smith had a strong second set, establishing early momentum with a kill by Klunder, assisted by Higashihara, to open the scoring. This initial push was bolstered by Chapin and Feuer, who capitalized on Trinity's errors to extend the lead. Smith's offensive consistency was maintained by Maddie Hliboki's (Valley Village, CA/Harvard Westlake) assists, helping Hunt and Teske contribute key points.

Midway through the set, Smith continued to pressure with a series of kills from Hunt and Klunder, supported by Higashihara's setting, widening the gap further. Despite a few errors allowing Trinity to score, Smith's defensive blocks, including a key block by Feuer and Hunt, kept the home team at bay.

The set concluded with Smith maintaining a decisive lead, finishing with a kill by Klunder, assisted by Suzuki, sealing a 25-15 advantage over Trinity.

Smith started the third set strongly with Higashihara serving, capitalizing on attack errors by Trinity to gain an early 3-0 lead. Oakes contributed with a kill, further extending Smith's advantage. Klunder and Chapin added kills, helping Smith maintain a 7-1 lead before Trinity began to respond.

Despite a mid-set push from Trinity, Smith's defense held firm, with Hunt and Uma Schulz (Riverwoods, IL/Deerfield High School) contributing key blocks. Smith led 12-9, bolstered by additional kills from Klunder and Chapin. However, Trinity mounted a comeback, tying the score at 17-17 and subsequently taking a narrow lead.

In the closing stages, Klunder's kill brought Smith closer, but Trinity capitalized on errors to widen their margin. Despite a late block by Oakes and Claudia Poehlmann (Chicago, IL/Lane Tech), Trinity secured the set 25-20.

Smith began the fourth set with a strong start, securing an early 3-0 lead through effective plays, including a kill by Chapin assisted by Hliboki. Defensive efforts by Feuer and Chapin added to the momentum, building a 5-2 advantage. However, Trinity responded with a series of points, including kills from Amy Boller, to turn the tide and take an 8-6 lead.

Smith countered with a sequence of blocks and kills, including key contributions from Klunder and Chapin, leveling the score at 14-14. Despite continued pressure from Trinity, Smith maintained parity, with Chapin delivering crucial kills to keep the scoreline close.

Near the set's conclusion, Smith managed to tie the game at 23-23 with a kill from Chapin, but Trinity edged ahead with kills from Boller and Scarlett Jago, closing the set at 25-23 in favor of Trinity.

Smith opened the fifth set with a strong start, taking a 2-0 lead after a kill by Klunder and a block by Oakes. Higashihara set up key points, allowing the Bears to maintain a narrow advantage early on. Trinity responded, tying the score at 4-4, and the teams traded points in a tight contest.

As the set progressed, Chapin and Hunt contributed crucial kills, keeping Smith competitive against Trinity's consistent attacks. A kill by Schulz helped Smith briefly regain the lead, but Trinity responded with a series of successful plays, shifting the advantage back and forth.

The set remained intense, with both teams matching each other point for point. Hliboki and Chapin continued to deliver for Smith, but Trinity edged ahead with a service ace, closing the set with a narrow 17-15 victory over Smith.

Chapin finished with a team-high 19 kills, contributing significantly to her 20 points. Hunt recorded 12 kills and added 14 digs, while also tallying five total blocks. Klunder collected 15 kills and posted 20 digs in her performance. Higashihara had a strong defensive showing with 15 digs and facilitated the offense with 28 assists.

Smith holds an overall record of 16-9 and is 6-2 in the NEWMAC conference. Trinity has an overall record of 12-9 and is 2-6 in NESCAC play.

Looking ahead, Smith will face Mount Holyoke College at Ainsworth Gym in Northampton, Mass., on October 28. The match will begin at 7 p.m.