October 11, 2005
For Immediate Release
Contact:  Carole Grills
(413) 585-2703

  Springfield Volleyball Defeats Smith 3-1

 Northampton, MA:  The Pride of Springfield remains undefeated in New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) competition as they defeated the Smith Pioneers 3-1 tonight. With the win, Springfield improves to 21-4 overall and 6-0 in NEWMAC play while the Pioneers fall to 14-4 overall and 4-2 in the NEWMAC.
            With the first game tied at 19, the Pioneers took a two-point lead and extended the spread to win 30-26. The second was tied up at 26 and the third game at 28 before Springfield pulled them out 30-27 and 30-28.  The final game had the teams at 21 when the Pride scored five straight and maintained the lead to win 30-24. Leah Hettrick (Meriden, CT) had a team high 34 digs with teammate Alesia Vaccari (Winsted, CT) tallying 45 assists. Ashley Reves (Orchard Park, NY) had 17 kills for Springfield with MaryKathryn O’Neil (Liverpool, NY) and Jody Pfeifer (Northglenn, CO) each contributing with a dozen.
            Senior captain Kate Sorensen (Kelso, WA) had a game high 51 digs along with 17 kills and four blocks for the Pioneers.  Katie Shafer (Red Bluff, CA) added 16 kills and 34 digs for Smith with Katie Thiel (Lamoille, NV) adding 24 digs. Senior Lauren Perry (Metairie, LA) took over second place in career assists with her 50 this evening.
            The Pioneers are in action again on Thursday night when they host Eastern Connecticut at 7 p.m. in non- conference action.

                                                            1             2             3             4
Smith (14-4, 4-2)                    30        27        28        24
Springfield (21-4, 6-0)              24        30        30        30