THE MATCHUP:  Mount Holyoke puts the finishing touches on its home slate versus nationally ranked Springfield College this evening (7:00 p.m.) at the Mildred. S. Howard Gymnasium. The Lyons will be looking for their first win over the Pride since the 1984 season. They fell 3-0 to their NEWMAC counterparts last fall despite five kills apiece from outside hitters Martina Kneifel and Kathryn Brummer. Springfield is still battling for the top seed in the NEWMAC Tournament. Match Program

THE LYONS: Mount Holyoke (9-14, 2-5 NEWMAC) has been paced by Martina Kneifel, who has piled up 2.99 kills and 3.09 digs per set to go with 35 service aces and 15 blocks. The outside hitter has recorded six double-doubles this year and owns a hitting percentage of .170. The Lyons have also received a boost from setter Mollyanne Fitzpatrick, who has dished out 3.99 assists per set to go with 32 aces. The rookie was named to the 2011 Hall of Fame Women's Invitational All-Tournament Team over the weekend. Outside hitter Kathryn Brummer has collected 1.68 kills and 2.40 digs per set. Meanwhile, libero Kaleen Iwema has recorded 3.87 digs per set.  

THE PRIDE: Springfield (27-2, 6-1 NEWMAC) has fallen just two times this year due in large part to the outstanding play of Lauren Torvi. The middle blocker has posted a hitting percentage of .380 en route to 4.25 kills per set. She has also racked up 76.5 blocks. Outside hitter Tessa Smolinski has amassed 3.40 kills and 2.50 digs per set. Meanwhile, libero Itza Nieves has recorded 4.29 digs per set, and setter Molly Giannattasio has dished out 7.80 assists per set. As a team, the Pride have hit .252. They have dropped just 17 sets all season. 

NEXT UP:  Both squads will round out their regular season schedules on the road against conference opponents on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. Mount Holyoke will travel to Babson College, while Springfield will visit Wheaton College.