NORTHAMPTON, Mass. — Smith College enjoyed a successful weekend, sweeping both Saint Joseph (CT) and Bridgewater State University in straight sets at Ainsworth Gymnasium. The Bears overwhelmed their opponents with impressive serving and efficient attacking, recording a total of 28 service aces across both matches.

In the first match against Saint Joseph (CT), Smith delivered a commanding performance, winning 25-13, 25-17, 25-9. The Bears opened the first set strong, jumping to an early lead of 3-0 with a kill from Claudia Poehlmann (Chicago, IL/Lane Tech) and a service ace from Alison Chapin (Temecula, CA/Temecula Valley High School). Poehlmann and Olivia Teske (Minneapolis, MN/South High Minneapolis) led the offensive charge, contributing multiple kills with strong setups from Ruby Woodward (Winchester, MA/Winchester). Maddie Hliboki's (Valley Village, CA/Harvard Westlake) decisive sequence of three consecutive service aces extended the Bears' advantage to 20-12, and Smith secured the first set with a closing stretch that included a final service ace from Woodward.

Smith continued to control the second set, as Teske and Poehlmann spearheaded a balanced attack, including a key kill from Olivia Mendoza (Chino Hills, CA/Ruben S. Ayala). Hana Suzuki (Chattanooga, TN/East Hamilton High School) served a pivotal ace to maintain momentum at 6-6, and Woodward's consecutive service ace helped extend the lead to 16-10. Despite a late rally from Saint Joseph, Smith closed out the set 25-17 with an attack error from the visitors.

The third set saw Smith dominate with a decisive 25-9 victory, opening with a 3-0 run featuring kills from Poehlmann, Chapin, and Teske. Woodward's playmaking was pivotal, contributing multiple assists and leading to a stretch where Smith scored five consecutive points, highlighted by two service aces from Teske. Strong defensive efforts from Madeleine Manzer (Norfolk, VA/Maury) and Poehlmann halted Saint Joseph's momentum, culminating in Smith's commanding set victory.

Teske recorded 10 kills and three service aces, finishing with a total of 14 points. Poehlmann added nine kills with a .571 hitting percentage and four blocks. Manzer led defensively with five blocks and four kills, while Suzuki achieved a perfect hitting percentage with one kill on one attempt and tallied 10 assists.

In the second match against Bridgewater State University, Smith again showcased their strength, winning 25-16, 25-21, 25-19. The Bears' aggressive serving was a key factor as they recorded 11 service aces, contributing to their decisive victory. Smith maintained a strong attack efficiency of .284, compared to Bridgewater's .114.

Smith began the first set resiliently, overcoming an early deficit. Mia Etheridge (Half Moon Bay, CA/Half Moon Bay) delivered critical points, including a kill at 7-6 followed by a service ace, shifting the momentum. Skye Higashihara (Honolulu, HI/'Iolani School) effectively orchestrated the offense, leading to a 25-16 set victory with a final kill from Uma Schulz (Riverwoods, IL/Deerfield High School).

The second set started with a service error by Bridgewater, which Smith capitalized on to take the lead. Claudia Poehlmann (Chicago, IL/Lane Tech) served back-to-back aces, helping to propel the Bears to a 6-1 run. Higashihara's precise setting allowed Anna Feuer (Frederick, MD/Governor Thomas Johnson) and Addison Klunder (Los Angeles, CA/The Buckley School) to capitalize on Bridgewater's errors, extending Smith's lead to 15-8. Despite a brief Bridgewater rally, Smith maintained composure and secured the set 25-21 with an attack error by Meaghan Coutu.

In the third set, after a slow start where Bridgewater took a 4-1 lead, Smith responded with a key kill by Etheridge and a service ace from Hliboki to tie the score at 5-5. Higashihara facilitated a series of successful plays, resulting in a 15-10 advantage for Smith, highlighted by kills from Schulz and Klunder. Despite a late push by Bridgewater, the Bears closed out the set 25-19, with Schulz securing the final point.

Klunder led Smith with 10 kills on 17 attempts, finishing with a .412 hitting percentage and contributing 8 digs. Higashihara assisted on 23 occasions and added 9 digs. Etheridge tallied 9 kills and 2 blocks, while Hliboki delivered 4 service aces.

Smith holds a 6-2 overall record and is set to face Colby College at Ainsworth Gym in Northampton, Mass. The match is scheduled for Friday, September 12, with the first serve at 7 p.m. Saint Joseph (CT) remains at 0-6 in the Great Northeast conference, and Bridgewater stands at 2-1 overall.

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,