NORTHAMPTON, Mass. — Babson College edged Smith College in a five-set thriller 25-18, 22-25, 25-23, 16-25, 15-13 on Saturday at Ainsworth Gymnasium. Smith tallied 13 service aces and 12 total blocks in a hard-fought encounter. Babson's attack was led by 55 kills, narrowly outpacing Smith's 47, ultimately sealing the match in the decisive fifth set.

The first set began with Babson taking an early lead, capitalizing on strong kills from Liberty May and Isabella Allen, putting Smith on the defensive. Babson extended their advantage despite a kill from Smith's Abby Hunt (Mandeville, LA/Fontainebleau) and a few errors from the opposition. Smith responded with contributions from Mia Etheridge (Half Moon Bay, CA/Half Moon Bay) and Alison Chapin (Temecula, CA/Temecula Valley High School), momentarily closing the gap.

As the set progressed, Babson maintained control, aided by service aces and effective attacking. Despite a series of successful plays from Smith, including a service ace by Etheridge and a block by Anna Feuer (Frederick, MD/Governor Thomas Johnson) and Chapin, Babson's momentum was too strong to overcome. The set concluded with Babson securing a 25-18 victory over the Bears.

Smith capitalized on a strong start in the second set, with Chapin recording two early kills to establish an initial lead. Etheridge and Olivia Teske (Minneapolis, MN/South High Minneapolis) contributed key points, aided by consistent setting from Maddie Hliboki (Valley Village, CA/Harvard Westlake), as Smith maintained their advantage. A series of blocks by Etheridge and Teske further disrupted Babson's momentum.

Babson briefly rallied to tie the score at 12-12, but Smith responded with a critical sequence of plays, including decisive blocks by Feuer and Teske. As the set drew to a close, Claudia Poehlmann's (Chicago, IL/Lane Tech) serving proved pivotal, delivering three consecutive aces to clinch the set. Smith closed the set with a 25-22 victory, extending their match advantage.

Smith started the third set with a strong performance, quickly moving to a 5-0 lead thanks to back-to-back kills from Teske, assisted by Skye Higashihara (Honolulu, HI/'Iolani School), and two service aces by Etheridge. Smith maintained momentum with a kill from Chapin, pushing the lead to 6-1. However, Babson gradually closed the gap, tying the score at 13-13 midway through the set.

Etheridge's offensive contributions, including a critical kill, helped Smith regain a narrow lead at 17-16. As the set progressed, Smith's defense, featuring blocks from Hunt and Teske, played a key role in maintaining a slight edge at 22-21. Despite this, Babson capitalized on a late surge, exploiting a few errors to pull ahead and ultimately secure the set 25-23, closing with a narrow victory.

The Bears opened the fourth set with a solid performance, building momentum early with a series of scoring plays. Chapin initiated the scoring with a kill, aided by Higashihara, which was followed by an attack error by Babson's Ailsa Munro, and a kill from Feuer, contributing to a quick 4-1 lead for Smith. Smith continued to capitalize on Babson errors, extending their lead to 8-4 with a service ace from Ruby Woodward (Winchester, MA/Winchester) and a kill by Etheridge.

Babson briefly closed the gap, responding with a service ace and a kill to bring the score to 9-7. However, Smith quickly regained control, utilizing a combination of Babson's errors and effective plays from Smith players, such as a block by Miranda Oakes (San Francisco, CA/San Francisco University), to push the score to 13-9. Etheridge and Chapin led a strong offensive effort, with Etheridge delivering multiple kills to solidify Smith's advantage.

Smith maintained their lead through the set, with Woodward and Etheridge both delivering service aces late in the set. Despite a service error that gave Babson a point at 24-16, Smith closed the set decisively with a kill from Addison Klunder (Los Angeles, CA/The Buckley School), securing a 25-16 victory in the fourth set.

In the decisive fifth set, Smith quickly established an early lead, with Chapin delivering two kills to push the score to 4-1. Poehlmann's service ace further extended Smith's lead. Babson responded by narrowing the gap, capitalizing on Smith's errors to level the score at 7-7.

As the set progressed, Smith regained a slim advantage with another kill by Chapin, but Babson stayed within reach, tying the score multiple times. Despite strong efforts from Chapin and Oakes, Babson managed to edge ahead by capitalizing on Smith's attack errors. The set concluded with Babson securing a 15-13 victory, marking the end of the match.

Etheridge led Smith with 13 kills and added five service aces, contributing to a team-high 19 points. Feuer anchored the defense with three solo blocks and three block assists, totaling six blocks. Chapin was a key offensive force, tallying 17 kills and finishing with 18.5 points. Poehlmann provided a strong serving presence, recording four service aces.

Smith holds a record of 10-6 overall and 1-1 in the NEWMAC conference. Babson stands at 8-3 overall with a 2-0 record in NEWMAC play.

Up next for the Bears is a matchup against Springfield College on Tuesday, Sept. 30. The game is set for 7 p.m. at Ainsworth Gym in Northampton, Mass.

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.