CAMBRIDGE, Mass., November 4, 2005 - Springfield College junior libero Leah Hettrick (Meriden, Conn.) recorded a school-record 46 digs in the semifinals of the 2005 New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Tournament against Coast Guard, but it wasn't enough as the No. 3 Bears edged the No. 2 Pride, 3-2 (30-28, 17-30, 32-30, 28-30, 15-11), this evening (Nov. 4) at MIT.

In the first semifinal match, No. 4 Smith College stunned host and No. 1 seed, MIT, by posting a 3-0 (30-25, 30-27, 30-27) victory as the Pioneers have earned a berth into their first-ever championship match. No. 4 Smith and No. 3 Coast Guard will play for the tournament championship tomorrow afternoon (Nov. 5) at 4:00 p.m.

Despite the loss, SC (26-8) put up some great numbers against Coast Guard in the five-game semifinal match. Senior opposite Ashley Reves (Orchard Park, N.Y.) paced the Pride with a team-best 19 kills, while junior middle blocker MaryKathryn O'Neil (Liverpool, N.Y.) added an impressive 16 kills. Senior setter Alesia Vaccari (Winsted, Conn.) dished out 57 assists, and freshman Caitlin Mulroy (Syracuse, N.Y.) chipped in with 20 digs and six service aces.

Coast Guard (23-4) was led by freshman Nicole Gurr and Corinne McCormack with 18 kills apiece in the semifinal win. McCormack added a team-high 19 digs and seven assisted blocks, while Gurr amassed 12 digs and six assisted blocks, leading the Bears to their second consecutive appearance in the NEWMAC championship match.

published: 11/05/2005