October 13, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Hannah Shalett
(203) 417-3222
Smith Volleyball Wins Invitational
Northampton, MA: The Pioneers won the Smith College Volleyball Invitational which it hosted this weekend with a strong showing. Smith went 3-1 on the weekend, coming from behind dramatically to win the Championship match against Plymouth State 3-2 (27-30, 30-27, 26-30, 30-24, 15-11). Smith's overall record now stands at 13-10 on the year.
On the opening evening of the Invitational, Smith defeated Keene State 3-1 (30-13, 33-31, 23-30, 30-22). Setter Lauren Martinez '11 (Phoenix, AZ) finished with 2 kills, 6 digs, and 28 sets. Catherine Shafer '08 (Red Bluff, CA) compiled 23 kills in addition to 22 digs. Bethany Weiss '10 (Windham, NH) finished with 3 blocks, 6 service aces, and 9 kills. Mikal Minarich '10 (Hobart, IN) also turned in a strong performance with 6 digs and 9 kills.
On Friday the Pioneers also defeated Keuka College 3-0 (30-17, 30-22, 32-30). Shafer finished this match with 13 digs and 21 kills. Minarich compiled 9 digs and 13 kills.
Smith took on Trinity College for their opening match Saturday morning. The Pioneers lost a hard fought match 3-0 (30-23, 30-28, 30-22). Despite the lose, Smith did recieve some standout performances in this match. Brianne Connizzo '10 (Demarest, NJ) played excellent defense compiling 15 digs. Shafer finished with 1 block, 5 kills, and 17 digs. Minarich also turned in a solid performance with 2 blocks, 11 digs, and 14 kills.
The Pioneers then took on Plymouth State in the Invitational's Championship match. Smith won the back and forth battle 3-2 after coming back from being down 2 games to 1. Shafer finished with 47 digs in addition to 13 kills and 1 block. Weiss compiled 2 blocks, 2 digs, and 12 kills. Minarich finished with 2 blocks, 20 digs, and 20 kills.
In addition to the championship, Minarich was named to the All-Tournament team after a very strong weekend. Additionally, after an all around solid tournament Shafer was named the Invitational's MVP.
Smith returns to action Tuesday when they host Clark University at 7 pm in Ainsworth Gym.
