Medford, Mass. – September 13, 2013 – The Springfield College women’s volleyball team opened up the MIT Invitational with victories over Regis and Tufts on Friday evening. Springfield cruised past Regis, 25-7, 25-14, 25-8, before rallying to a 21-25, 25-19, 25-21, 25-20 victory over the Jumbos.

Against Regis, Springfield benefited from 17 service aces, including 10 from Lindsay Runge (Closter, N.J). Elise Brogan (Andover, Mass.) led the way offensively with a match-high nine kills at a .692 clip, while Tessa Smolinski (Hebron, Conn.) chipped in with five kills in two sets. Daniella Crismani (San Francisco, Calif.) totaled seven digs, and Marnae Mawdsley (Bolton, Conn.) handed out 17 assists to go along with six digs.

Smolinski was dominant in the win over the Jumbos, registering a season-best 23 kills on a .373 hitting percentage to go along with 12 digs and three blocks. Kelsey McGayhey (Shelter Island, N.Y.) finished with 10 kills, and Meghan Kinee (Williamstown, N.J.) totaled a match-high 18 digs. Both Lauren Holt (Granby, Conn.) and Amanda Palladino (Cheshire, Conn.) had three blocks and Whitney Miller (Cuba, N.Y.) was credited with 45 helpers, 14 digs, and three blocks.

The Pride will wrap up the MIT Invitational on Saturday when it clashes with Connecticut College and Bowdoin, both of whom advanced to the NCAA Regional Championship Semifinals, along with Springfield, a season ago.