The Sophian

Issue date: 9/21/06 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Smith Athletics Debbie Sasges '07 spikes the ball at a recent Smith volleyball game.

Cheers. Jubilation. Even the scorekeepers, who are supposed to remain neutral, struggled to keep their enthusiasm muted.

In a rematch of last year's NEWMAC championship game, the Smith volleyball team triumphed once again over the previously undefeated United States Coast Guard Academy (3-1) on Saturday afternoon. The Pioneers appeared to be in top form for the first time this season in their decisive 30-28, 33-31, 30-26 victory.

Although the two teams treated spectators to dazzling displays of effort and skill throughout all three games, the second game provided the most excitement. With the score tied at 31-31, first- year middle Yejide Najee-Ullah earned two straight service points for the Pioneers to give them the necessary two point margin of victory over the Bears.

Impressed by Smith's level of play, the second referee turned to the scorer's table at one point during the third game and stated her disbelief that the Smith squad featured so many young players. Indeed, the Pioneers have much to look forward to if they can continue to improve throughout the season.

Senior outside Debbie Sasges led the way for the Pioneers with a team high 14 kills and 17 digs. First- year setter Mikal Minarich contributed 23 assists while junior outside Katie Shafer added 12 kills and a team high of 28 digs. Junior middle Sara Hoffman recorded 10 kills as well as two blocks.

The Pioneers improve to 1-5 for the season and 1-1 in conference competition. They played Springfield on Tuesday and will travel to Cambridge this weekend to compete in the MIT Invitational. Their next home game is Wednesday, Sept. 27, against Amherst.

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