NORTHAMPTON, Mass. - Plymouth State University finished the Smith College Volleyball Invitational with a 2-1 record Saturday afternoon, and finished runner-up to host Smith College.

            The Panthers, who knocked off Mount Holyoke Friday night, 3-1, captured their first match of the day on Saturday with a grueling 3-2 triumph over Rivier College (30-22, 16-30, 3-16, 24-30, 15-10).  PSU then went five games against Smith, but fell to the Pioneers (27-30, 30-27, 26-30, 30-24, 15-11). Smith won the event by posting a 3-0 record.

            Sophomore Eliza Badeau (Foster, R.I.) was PSU's representative on the All-Tournament Team. After posting 21 kills on Friday against Mount Holyoke, she smashed 17 kills in the win over Rivier and added a season-high 23 kills in the match against Smith.  She also contributed six service aces and six blocks against Rivier, and four blocks against Smith.

            Junior Sarah Spears (Meredith, N.H.) had another strong performance for the Panthers, recording 53 digs in the two matches on Saturday.

            PSU, now 15-7 overall, returns home to host Middlebury College Wednesday at Foley Gymnasium (6:00 p.m.)

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