NORTHAMPTON, Mass. — Springfield College swept Smith College 25-19, 25-18, 25-20 on Tuesday at Ainsworth Gymnasium. Springfield's efficient attack, featuring 36 kills and a .237 hitting percentage, outpaced Smith's efforts. The match was highlighted by Springfield's strong defensive presence, tallying 10 total blocks against the Bears' 3.

Smith opened the first set with a solid start, highlighted by a block from Mia Etheridge (Half Moon Bay, CA/Half Moon Bay) that contributed to an early 1-0 lead. Despite this initial success, Springfield responded with a series of points, including a service ace and multiple kills, to shift the momentum in their favor. The Bears managed to stay competitive through contributions such as kills by Alison Chapin (Temecula, CA/Temecula Valley High School) and Etheridge, briefly narrowing the gap to 13-12.

As the set progressed, Springfield capitalized on several Smith errors, extending their lead. Despite the Bears' attempts to close the deficit with key plays from Skye Higashihara (Honolulu, HI/'Iolani School) and a service ace from Claudia Poehlmann (Chicago, IL/Lane Tech), Springfield maintained control. The set concluded with Springfield securing a 25-19 victory, as a final kill from Aubrey Hughes sealed the set.

Smith opened the second set with a resilient effort, highlighted by Abby Hunt's (Mandeville, LA/Fontainebleau) kill from Higashihara to tie the score early. Despite Springfield gaining a slight edge, Miranda Oakes (San Francisco, CA/San Francisco University) and Uma Schulz (Riverwoods, IL/Deerfield High School) contributed key kills that kept the Bears competitive. Poehlmann's back-to-back service aces brought Smith to a brief lead at 10-9.

As the set progressed, Springfield regained momentum with a series of successful plays, widening the gap. Smith responded with strong performances from Chapin and Etheridge, but Springfield maintained their advantage. The set closed with Springfield securing a 25-18 victory, despite the Bears' persistent efforts to counter their lead.

Smith opened the third set with a lineup featuring key contributors but encountered early challenges as Springfield capitalized on attack errors to secure a 3-0 lead. The Bears responded with a service ace from Poehlmann and a kill by Etheridge, leveling the score at 4-4. Despite a back-and-forth battle, Springfield managed to edge ahead, taking advantage of Smith's attack errors to hold a narrow lead.

In the middle of the set, the Bears displayed resilience, equalizing at various points through strategic kills by Chapin and Olivia Teske (Minneapolis, MN/South High Minneapolis). However, a series of Springfield blocks and a service ace extended their advantage to 23-15. Smith fought back with a late push, including consecutive kills from Addison Klunder (Los Angeles, CA/The Buckley School) and a service ace by Higashihara, closing the gap to 23-19.

Despite the Bears' efforts, Springfield sealed the set with a 25-20 win after a decisive kill by Ahunna James. The set concluded with Springfield maintaining a five-point margin, setting a challenging task for Smith.

Etheridge led the Bears with nine kills and 10 digs, contributing a total of 10.0 points. Poehlmann made a significant impact at the service line, recording four aces over three sets. Higashihara facilitated the offense with 15 assists and also added seven digs. Anna Feuer (Frederick, MD/Governor Thomas Johnson) was effective defensively, posting two total blocks to go along with her single kill.

Smith holds an overall record of 10-7 and a conference record of 1-2 in the NEWMAC. Springfield stands at 13-2 overall, with a perfect 3-0 mark in NEWMAC play.

Looking ahead, the Bears will travel to Worcester, MA, to take on Worcester Polytechnic Institute. The match is set for Thursday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m.

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.