NORTHAMPTON, Mass. — Smith College volleyball received votes in the AVCA-Taraflex Division III Coaches Poll released Tuesday, Sept. 29. It is the first time this season the Bears have appeared in the national poll. Smith collected 69 points, fifth among the teams listed as receiving votes.

The recognition follows a 13-1 start for the Bears, including a 3-0 mark in NEWMAC play. Smith's four-match winning streak includes a 3-1 victory at then-No. 19 Babson on Sept. 26, which was the Bears' first road conference win of the season. Smith added a 3-1 win at Springfield on Sept. 29.

Smith has been consistent in every setting. The Bears are 5-0 at home, 3-0 on the road and 5-1 at neutral sites. Their only loss came against William Smith on Sept. 19. Of Smith's 13 wins, 12 have come in three or four sets.

The Bears join a strong NEWMAC contingent in the poll. MIT holds the No. 9 spot and Babson sits at No. 20. Wisconsin-Oshkosh remains No. 1 with 54 first-place votes, followed by Colby, Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Illinois Wesleyan and Juniata. The next AVCA poll will be released Oct. 6.

Smith returns to Ainsworth Gym on Saturday, Oct. 3, to host Wheaton (Mass.) at 1 p.m. and Westfield State at 5 p.m.

About Smith Athletics
Smith College is a NCAA Division III member of the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) that sponsors 11 intercollegiate sports. For more information, log on to GoSmithBears.com and follow the Bears on Facebook and Instagram.