NORTHAMPTON, Mass. — Colby defeated Smith College in a straight-set victory, 33-31, 26-24, 28-26, on Friday at Ainsworth Gymnasium. The tightly contested match saw Colby narrowly edge out the Bears in each set, highlighted by a back-and-forth opening set that extended to 33-31. The Bears recorded nine service aces but were unable to capitalize, as Colby maintained a consistent attack to secure the win.

The first set began with a shaky start for the home team, falling behind 3-0 due to a handling error by Addison Klunder (Los Angeles, CA/The Buckley School) and a bad set from Skye Higashihara (Honolulu, HI/'Iolani School). Smith found its rhythm as Mia Etheridge (Half Moon Bay, CA/Half Moon Bay) delivered five kills, and Ruby Woodward (Winchester, MA/Winchester) contributed two crucial service aces, bringing the score to a tie at 6-6. In a tense back-and-forth battle, the Bears took a brief 22-19 lead with Klunder and Claudia Poehlmann (Chicago, IL/Lane Tech) combining for a block, but Colby edged out the home team in extra points, clinching the set 33-31.

The second set began with a rocky start for the home team, as Colby surged to an early lead at 3-0. However, Smith responded with a series of strategic plays, including a key block by Uma Schulz (Riverwoods, IL/Deerfield High School) and Anna Feuer (Frederick, MD/Governor Thomas Johnson), and a standout performance from Etheridge, who delivered four kills and two service aces to keep the score competitive. Despite a late rally that brought the teams to a tense 24-24 tie, Colby managed to secure the set with two consecutive kills from Brady Moseley, concluding the set at 26-24.

The third set showcased a tense battle between the two teams, with the Bears jumping to an early 7-1 lead, capitalizing on four consecutive attack errors by Colby. Schulz and Miranda Oakes (San Francisco, CA/San Francisco University) formed a formidable blocking duo, contributing significantly to the early momentum. However, despite a late surge led by Etheridge's kills and Ruth Tullis's (Edmond, OK/Oklahoma Christian School) consecutive service aces, the Bears could not maintain the edge, eventually falling 28-26 to Colby, who closed out the set with a decisive run.

Etheridge led the Bears with 15 kills and added two service aces, contributing to her team-high 17 points across three games. Oakes made a defensive impact with five total blocks, while Schulz matched this defensive effort with five blocks as well, scoring 7.5 points. Tullis excelled defensively, collecting 13 digs and adding five assists.

The Bears hold a 6-3 overall record. Colby remains undefeated with a 7-0 overall record.

Looking ahead, the Bears will host UMass Dartmouth at Ainsworth Gym in Northampton, Mass. on Saturday, Sept. 13. 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,