NORTHAMPTON, Mass. – The Smith College tennis team is set to embark on its 2026 spring season on Saturday, February 7, welcoming Brandeis University to the indoor courts in Northampton for a 1:00 p.m. matchup.

The home opener sets the tone for a rigorous semester for the Bears, featuring a lineup of regional powerhouses, a competitive West Coast tour, and a demanding New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) schedule.

"Our team is ready and eager to return to dual match play. We are excited for the opportunity to showcase our growth, effort, and drive as we take on a challenging schedule against 11 programs who finished the 2025 dual match season nationally ranked." said head tennis coach Caitlyn Lawrence. "With a strong group of returners and an impressive group of incomers, every person on our team will have a significant impact as we pursue our team goal of a program-high national ranking. We are fired up to unleash our potential."

Non-Conference Road Tests Following the season opener, Smith will hit the road for an extended stretch against formidable opponents. The Bears travel to New York later in the month to face Vassar College on Saturday, Feb. 14, and Skidmore College on Saturday, Feb. 21. They close out February with a visit to Williamstown to take on Williams College on Feb. 28, followed quickly by a Monday matchup at Connecticut College on March 2.

Spring Break in California Mid-March sees the team heading west to sunny California for three matches that promise to test their mettle against tough national competition. Smith will face Chapman University on March 17 and the University of Redlands on March 18, before wrapping up the trip against Caltech in Pasadena on Friday, March 20.

NEWMAC Action Begins The Bears return to Northampton to kick off conference play on Friday, March 27, hosting Babson College at 4:00 p.m. The NEWMAC schedule is packed with crucial matchups, including:

• Away at Clark University: March 28

• Home vs. Salve Regina: April 4

• Away at Wellesley College: April 11

• Home vs. Springfield College: April 14

• Away at MIT: April 18

• Away at Wheaton College: April 21

• Home vs. Emerson College: April 25

Fans are encouraged to come out to the ITT on February 7th to support the Bears as they look to start their 2026 campaign on a high note against Brandeis.

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