Beverly, Mass. – September 21, 2012 – The Springfield College women’s volleyball team had a tremendous opening night of the MIT Invitational, earning wins over both Bowdoin and Endicott. The Pride downed Bowdoin, the top-ranked team in New England, by the scores of 15-25, 25-15, 25-16, 25-18 before sweeping the host Gulls, 25-22, 25-16, 25-21.

Springfield, which was ranked tied for sixth in this week’s New England Women’s Volleyball Association (NEWVA) Coaches Poll, improves to 10-3.

In the victory over Bowdoin, the Pride benefited from a match-best 14 kills from Tessa Smolinski, who also added 11 digs. Mary Consol produced nine kills out of the middle and right side Kelsey McGayhey added seven kills. Amy Entel had a team-best 13 digs, and Molly Giannattasio handed out 29 assists. Springfield served the Polar Bears tough all night, recording 10 aces, three by both Clare Henry and Daniella Crismani.

Smolinski was dominant in the sweep of Endicott, pounding out 19 kills at a .390 clip while racking up 10 digs. Consol was the only other member of the Pride with double digit kills, producing 10 to go along with five blocks. Entel, Henry, and Crismani made a huge impact on the match, combining for 12 aces and 37 digs. Whitney Miller finished with 27 assists as Springfield hit .236.

Springfield will play again on Saturday for a pair of matches hosted at Brandeis. The Pride will battle Tufts at 11:00 am before taking on Bates at 2:00 pm.