September 22, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Rhemi Abrams-Fuller
(612) 730-1220
Smith Comes Out Strong to Capture First NEWMAC Win
Northampton, MA: Smith (2-4, 1-2 in NEWMAC) had one of its best performances of the season in beating the Clark Cougars (2-5, 1-2 in NEWMAC) 3 sets to none.
In the opening game, the Pioneers led by a sizeable amount for most of the time, surging ahead by as much as 7. Clark began to rally late in the game behind the strong serving of #7 Nichole Lopez (Alameda, CA), pulling to within 3 late in the set. However, the Pioneers kept their opponents guessing all the way to the end, and junior setter Lauren Martinez (Phoenix, AZ) ended the game with a dump over the net that froze the Cougar defense.
The second set told much the same story, though the Pioneers had to come from behind to win this one. Clark led for the first time in the match at 13-12 and extended their lead to 18-12 before Smith battled back. After a smattering of aces from #10 Bethany Weiss (senior, Windham, NH) and #16 Shakwana Etienne (junior, West Orange, NJ), Smith put the game away with a huge kill from Weiss.
The final set was the most dominant of the three for Smith, as they started the game with the lead and did not relent until they had secured an impressive 25-17 victory.
Coach Angela Mills was happy with her team's performance, and commented, "I think our player of the week, #12 Laurel Belton (San Bernadino, CA), did an amazing job with 10 kills, 3 service aces, and 4 digs. She played really scrappy, determined defense."
Other highlights for Smith include 7 kills, 3 service aces, and 2 solo blocks from Weiss, and a combined 11 digs from defensive specialists Brianne Connizzo (senior, Demarest, NJ) and Rachel Lackert (senior, Cold Spring Harbor, NY).
Statistical leaders for Clark were #5 Toni Marie Illuzzi (Manorville, NY) with 10 kills, #7 Nichole Lopez with 16 assists, and #1 Amanda Harris (San Diego, CA) with 11 digs.
The Pioneers are back in action this Friday night at NYU.
1 2 3
Smith (2-4, 1-2 in NEWMAC) 25 25 25
Clark (2-5, 1-2 in NEWMAC) 21 22 17
