THE MATCHUP: Mount Holyoke hosts longtime rival Smith College this afternoon at the Mount Holyoke Tennis Courts. In 61 previous meetings between the programs, the Pioneers own a 41-20 advantage. After downing the Lyons 6-3 during the regular season last fall, they prevailed 5-3 in the Quarterfinal Round of the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Tournament. Mount Holyoke returned the favor with a 3-2 victory at the Seven Sisters Championship during the spring. Match Program

THE LYONS: Mount Holyoke (0-3, 0-2 NEWMAC) has stumbled out of the gate, falling in each of its first three outings of the season. After sustaining a 7-2 setback in their opener against Babson College, the Lyons were downed 7-2 by both Connecticut College and Wellesley College. Newcomer Maya Sayarath has collected a pair of singles victories and one doubles triumph to lead the way for Mount Holyoke. She was at her best against Wellesley, when she came up with two wins. After cruising to a 6-1, 6-1 triumph in her number six singles contest, she teamed with Elise Marifian for an 8-2 victory at number three doubles. Sayarath also prevailed 7-6 (7-0), 4-6, 10-8 in her collegiate debut against Babson. Fellow first year AnnElizabeth Konkel has accounted for a pair of number two doubles triumphs.

THE PIONEERS: Smith (0-2, 0-2 NEWMAC) has gone winless in two matches thus far this season. After falling 7-2 to MIT in their season opener, the Pioneers were downed 9-0 by Wheaton College on Saturday. In their match against MIT, Eunice Zhao held on for a thrilling 6-2, 2-6, 10-8 victory at the number six singles position. Meanwhile, Nicole Anderson and Margaret Steiner cruised to an 8-2 triumph in their number two doubles contest. Last season, Smith posted eight wins and advanced to the Semifinal Round of the NEWMAC Tournament. The Pioneers defeated Mount Holyoke, Wheaton, Springfield College and Clark University during league play.  

NEXT UP: The Lyons will return to action on Thursday, when they entertain Simmons College at 5:00 p.m. Meanwhile, Smith is slated to play its second of three straight road contests at Babson College on Saturday beginning at 1:00 p.m.