October 20, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Felicia J. Prater
(305) 205-4236

Smith Volleyball Falls to Springfield 3-1

Northampton, MA: The Pioneers fell to New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) rival Springfield College tonight. With the win, the Pride improved to 23-3 overall and 5-1 in the conference while Smith fell to 6-14 overall and 2-5 in NEWMAC competition.

In the first set of the four game match Springfield came out strong taking a commanding lead. Smith fought back but couldn't catch up as the two teams tied it up 19-19 and the Pride went on to earn six straight points for the 25-19 win. In the second set, the two teams traded points down to the wire before Springfield held on for the 25-23 win. Springfield held a lead in the third set before the Pioneers scored three consecutive points to take the lead and hold on for the 29-27 win. In the final set, Smith battled Springfield point for point once leading by three points. Looking as if a fifth set might be forced, the Pride buckled down to earn the match's final two points and the win.

Leaders for the Pioneers included senior Mikal Minarich (Hobart, IN) with 12 kills, 3 aces, 19 digs and a block and junior Laurel Belton (San Bernadino, CA) with 18 kills, 10 digs, 2 aces and 2 blocks. Also contributing for Smith were juniors Shakwana Etienne (West Orange, NJ) who registered 8 kills and 4 block assists and Stephanie Bleyendaal (Boston, MA) with 7 kills, 6 digs and 2 block assists and senior Brianne Connizzo (Demarest, NJ) with 13 digs and 2 kills. 

Coach Mills praised her team for their relentless effort and will to stay in the match. "Laurel Belton exuded fantastic effort while sophomore Courtney Faria (Pocasset, MA) had tremendous court sense and showed offensive poise throughout the match."

The Pioneers return to action this Friday and Saturday as they host several teams in the Volleyball Hall of Fame Tournament.