ITHACA, N.Y. — Smith College defeated Swarthmore College 3-1 in a neutral-site matchup on Friday at Ben Light Gymnasium. Smith captured the first set 25-22 before Swarthmore leveled the match with a 25-18 win in the second set. The Bears then surged ahead, taking the third and fourth sets 25-22 and 25-18, respectively. Both teams delivered strong serving performances, recording 12 aces each, but Smith's more efficient attack, with a hitting percentage of .259, proved decisive.
The first set began with a dynamic exchange as
Olivia Teske (Minneapolis, MN/South High Minneapolis) opened the scoring for Smith with a kill, setting the tone for a competitive set. Despite service errors, the Bears maintained momentum through strategic plays, including two consecutive service aces by
Ruby Woodward (Winchester, MA/Winchester) that tied the score at 10-10. As the set progressed, Smith capitalized on Swarthmore's errors and consistent setting from Woodward, who assisted
Olivia Teske (Minneapolis, MN/South High Minneapolis) and
Mia Etheridge (Half Moon Bay, CA/Half Moon Bay) for crucial points, ultimately securing a 25-22 victory.
The second set began with Swarthmore's Nicole Kim serving a series of points, including four service aces, bringing the score to 10-0. Smith responded with a series of strategic plays, highlighted by
Alison Chapin's (Temecula, CA/Temecula Valley High School) kill from
Ruth Tullis (Edmond, OK/Oklahoma Christian School) at 11-1, sparking a brief momentum shift. Despite a strong finish by the Bears, including three consecutive points from
Mia Etheridge's (Half Moon Bay, CA/Half Moon Bay) kill at 24-16, Swarthmore secured the set 25-18 with a final kill by Keira Miles.
The third set began with a service error by Swarthmore's Madeline Mountcastle, giving Smith an early 1-0 lead.
Claudia Poehlmann (Chicago, IL/Lane Tech) and
Alison Chapin (Temecula, CA/Temecula Valley High School) were instrumental in Smith's offense, each delivering key kills, with Poehlmann contributing four kills throughout the set.
Ruby Woodward (Winchester, MA/Winchester) consistently set up her teammates, assisting on multiple plays, including a pivotal kill by
Mia Etheridge (Half Moon Bay, CA/Half Moon Bay) that tied the game at 12-12. Smith then surged ahead with a 7-2 run, aided by a service ace from
Ruth Tullis (Edmond, OK/Oklahoma Christian School) and a block by
Alison Chapin (Temecula, CA/Temecula Valley High School) and
Uma Schulz (Riverwoods, IL/Deerfield High School), eventually clinching the set 25-22 after a final kill by Etheridge.
In the fourth set, Smith showcased a formidable performance, securing a 25-18 victory over Swarthmore. The set began with
Anna Feuer (Frederick, MD/Governor Thomas Johnson) delivering an impactful kill, setting the tone for Smith's offense.
Ruby Woodward's (Winchester, MA/Winchester) consistent playmaking was crucial, providing multiple assists, including one to
Claudia Poehlmann (Chicago, IL/Lane Tech), which maintained Smith's lead. A pivotal moment came when
Ruby Woodward (Winchester, MA/Winchester) served an ace, extending the Bears' advantage to 23-15. Despite a few service errors, Smith's solid defense and timely attacks, such as
Claudia Poehlmann's (Chicago, IL/Lane Tech) kill to seal the win, secured the set triumph.
Ruby Woodward (Winchester, MA/Winchester) led the Bears with 42 assists and added five service aces across four sets.
Mia Etheridge (Half Moon Bay, CA/Half Moon Bay) contributed 12 kills and two service aces, collecting a total of 14.5 points.
Alison Chapin (Temecula, CA/Temecula Valley High School) matched her offensive effort with 10 kills and defensively recorded 10 digs.
Anna Feuer (Frederick, MD/Governor Thomas Johnson) was effective at the net with seven kills on 11 attempts, achieving a hitting percentage of .636, while also leading the team with four total blocks.
Smith holds an overall record of 9-3 and Swarthmore falls to a 6-4 record.
In their next challenge, the Bears will travel to Ithaca, NY, to face New York University. The match is set for September 20 at 12:45 p.m. and will be 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.
