Springfield, Mass. – October 26, 2010 – The Springfield College women’s volleyball team clinched the top seed in the upcoming New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Tournament after it cruised past visiting Mount Holyoke, 3-0, in conference play on Tuesday evening. The Pride won by the scores of 25-12, 25-20, 25-13.

The win brings Springfield’s record to 27-3 as it remains perfect in league play with an 8-0 mark. The Lyons drop to 8-16, 0-8 in conference action.

With the victory, Springfield will earn a bye in the first round before hosting the semifinals and finals on the weekend of November 6-7. Springfield most recently hosted the NEWMAC Championship in 2008, when it was crowned the conference champion for the fourth time in program history.

Tessa Smolinski and Lauren Torvi each had eight kills in the win, while Sarah Lang-Rodean recorded seven kills at a .545 clip. Sonya Mickiewicz handed out 31 assists as she directed the Pride attack, and Meaghan Hart led the SC defense with 10 digs. Kim Giaquinto stuffed her stat sheet with six kills, five aces, and four digs.

Kathryn Brummer and Martina Kneifel each totaled five kills to lead the way for the visitors. Kateryna Kuc delivered 15 assists and Kneifel posted a team-best 10 digs, while Kristina Weld was credited with a match-high four blocks. The Lyons hit just .035 for the match.

The Pride wraps up its regular season on Saturday afternoon in its final conference match of the season. Springfield will clash against Wheaton at 1:00 pm in Blake Arena.