The going has not always been easy for setter Taylor Smith to start the Big Ten season. Thrown into the starting lineup following a season-ending injury to senior Whitney Craigo, the freshman became the sole setter in a new system for Maryland volleyball.
With 43 assists, four kills and five block assists Wednesday night in Maryland’s five-set loss to No. 16 Michigan, Smith appears to be grasping the new system and the increased role as the season advances. Her 43 assists are the second-most of her Big Ten career, while the four kills and five blocks are both Big Ten career-highs.