LEWISTON, Maine -- Bates women's volleyball took on the Pioneers of Smith College to kick off Back to Bates Weekend Friday night in Alumni Gym. The Bobcats came into the contest having battled in a losing effort at #14 ranked Wesleyan last Saturday, while Smith had most recently fallen to Springfield College Tuesday evening.
With both teams looking to bounce back with a victory, setting the tone in the first set was crucial. Both teams came out of the gate matching each other's intensity, with the score being 10-9 in favor of the Bobcats to start the first frame. However, the Smith offense began to control, and the Pioneers pulled away in the later part of the initial stanza, going on a 10-0 run to secure a 1-0 advantage.
The second set was contentious, starting similarly to the previous game with an 8-7, one-point margin in favor of Smith off the jump.
Ami Evans continued her impressive start for the home team with five kills to begin the second set. Neither team was willing to waiver, with Bates pushing hard to not have their back against the wall with a 2-0 deficit. Smith had set point at a score of 24-20, but the 'Cats were able to storm all the way back to tie the score at 24-24. After a costly miscommunication, however, Smith was able to eke out a narrow victory, 28-26, to lengthen their lead to 2-0 overall.
After coming so close to evening the match at 1-1, Bates seemed to have run out of steam. Smith took control of the third set early, and they did not relinquish their lead once, securing the win in a three-set sweep by a third set score of 25-13.
While Bates was unable to secure the win, Evans performed well, ending her night with 12 kills.
Chrissy Chu contributed 13 assists in the effort.
Logan Yogi followed with 12 helpers of her own.
Addison Klunder (Fy.-Los Angeles, Calif.) paced the Pioneers (11-6) with 10 kills. Ruby Woodward (Fy.-Winchester, Pa.) and Meg Hopkins (Gr.-Matthews, N.C.) divvied up 17 and 16 assists, respectively, in the win.
Bates (3-10) is back in action Saturday in Alumni Gym as the Bobcats host Tufts University in a strong NESCAC matchup. Start time is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.
