NORTHAMPTON, Mass. — Smith College had a successful Saturday, first outlasting UMass Dartmouth in a five-set thriller on Saturday, winning 3-2 with set scores of 25-27, 25-17, 19-25, 25-12, 17-15, and then defeating Brandeis University in four sets, 25-13, 25-18, 20-25, 25-12, also at Ainsworth Gymnasium. The Bears showcased their aggressive serving with a combined total of 26 service aces across both matches, including 14 against UMass Dartmouth and 12 against Brandeis. Additionally, they demonstrated resilience in both games, overcoming early setbacks against UMass Dartmouth and maintaining control against Brandeis.

In the match against UMass Dartmouth, the first set unfolded with an early lead for the Bears, highlighted by a series of kills from Mia Etheridge (Half Moon Bay, CA/Half Moon Bay), assisted by Skye Higashihara (Honolulu, HI/'Iolani School), pushing the score to 2-0. Despite this strong start, UMass Dartmouth capitalized on a series of errors, overtaking the lead 6-3. The Bears responded effectively with Addison Klunder (Los Angeles, CA/The Buckley School) and Claudia Poehlmann (Chicago, IL/Lane Tech) contributing important kills to level the score at 9-9. The set remained a close contest, with the Bears holding a 24-19 lead, but UMass Dartmouth rallied to win the set 27-25 following a decisive service ace by Emily Pogorelec.

The second set opened with a swift exchange of points, but Smith quickly found their rhythm, sparked by Olivia Teske's (Minneapolis, MN/South High Minneapolis) early kill. Etheridge then led a pivotal 5-0 run, including two consecutive kills and a block assist, bringing the score to 7-6 in favor of the Bears. Maddie Hliboki's (Valley Village, CA/Harvard Westlake) serving resulted in three consecutive aces, pushing the team further ahead to 18-11. Despite a few errors, Smith maintained control, with Teske sealing the set 25-17 with her decisive kill.

The third set began with the visitors taking a commanding 7-0 lead, capitalizing on a series of early errors by Smith. Despite the rough start, the Bears responded with a solid performance from Uma Schulz (Riverwoods, IL/Deerfield High School), who recorded an early kill, and later contributions from Etheridge and Teske helped close the gap. The team rallied mid-set with a noteworthy run, narrowing the score to 16-13, highlighted by Alison Chapin's (Temecula, CA/Temecula Valley High School) impactful kills. However, UMass Dartmouth maintained their advantage, concluding the set with a 25-19 win after a late blocking error sealed it.

Smith opened the fourth set with a decisive 5-1 run, highlighted by a service ace from Chapin and a kill from Etheridge. Teske and Schulz were pivotal at the net, combining for multiple blocks to stifle UMass Dartmouth's attack. The set ended with a strong finish by the Bears, as Teske registered two late kills and Chapin sealed the 25-12 victory with another service ace.

In a decisive fifth set, Smith emerged victorious with a 17-15 win, fueled by strategic plays and key contributions. Schulz scored the opening point with a kill from Higashihara, setting the tone early. Despite an early rally from UMass Dartmouth, Etheridge's consistent performance, including multiple kills and a service ace, helped the Bears regain momentum. Teske played a pivotal role, securing critical points, including a decisive kill at 14-14, while a late service ace by Poehlmann sealed the narrow victory for Smith.

In their match against Brandeis, Smith opened the first set with a commanding start, quickly establishing a 4-0 lead thanks to Alison Chapin's (Temecula, CA/Temecula Valley High School) two early kills and a block by Uma Schulz (Riverwoods, IL/Deerfield High School). Higashihara was instrumental, facilitating the offense with multiple assists, including setting up Olivia Teske (Minneapolis, MN/South High Minneapolis) and Anna Feuer (Frederick, MD/Governor Thomas Johnson) for crucial points. Poehlmann's string of three consecutive service aces extended the Bears' advantage, leading to a decisive 25-13 finish for the home team.

The second set began with Olivia Teske (Minneapolis, MN/South High Minneapolis) scoring the first point for the team with a kill assisted by Higashihara. Teske and Etheridge led the scoring with multiple kills, while Higashihara consistently set up her teammates. A significant turning point came midway when Chapin delivered a service ace, part of a 5-0 scoring run, which included contributions from Schulz and Feuer, pushing the Bears ahead 12-8. Despite some back-and-forth exchanges late in the set, the team maintained their momentum, with Teske securing the final point through another kill, sealing the set 25-18.

Smith opened the third set with a competitive edge, marked by a kill from Schulz, assisted by Higashihara. A strong mid-set surge saw Smith take a 9-6 lead, fueled by a service ace from Etheridge and a kill by Chapin. However, Brandeis responded with a decisive run, overcoming a three-point deficit to secure a 25-20 set victory.

Smith opened the fourth set with a strong offensive push, highlighted by Chapin's kill, assisted by Higashihara. A key moment came when Etheridge served consecutive aces, contributing to a critical 6-0 run that extended Smith's lead to 16-6. The set concluded decisively for the Bears as Olivia Mendoza's (Chino Hills, CA/Ruben S. Ayala) block sealed the 25-12 victory.

Etheridge led the Bears with 22 kills and a .347 hitting percentage against UMass Dartmouth, while contributing 11 kills on 25 attempts against Brandeis, totaling 15.5 points. Higashihara set the pace with 31 assists against UMass Dartmouth and 35 against Brandeis. Chapin added 13 kills and three service aces against Brandeis, tallying 16 points overall, while Feuer recorded seven kills on 12 swings against Brandeis, maintaining a .500 hitting percentage, and added four total blocks.

Smith holds an overall record of 8-3, while UMass Dartmouth stands at 6-4 and Brandeis at 4-5. 

Looking ahead, the Bears will face Swarthmore College on Friday, September 19. The match is set to take place at 4 p.m. in Ithaca, NY, as part of an event hosted by Ithaca College.

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,