Lyons Game Day Central: Basketball vs. Amherst

Tricia Chase

THE MATCHUP: Mount Holyoke kicks off its 2011-12 home slate versus top-ranked Amherst College this evening (5:30 p.m.) at the Mildred S. Howard Gymnasium. The Lyons have dropped four straight contests against the Lord Jeffs after picking up a 58-54 victory during the 2006-07 season. They fell 73-23 last year despite seven points and five rebounds from guard Annabel Barrett. Amherst was paced by guard Marcia Voigt, who finished with 10 points. The Lord Jeffs will enter the contest riding a 21-game winning streak. They captured their first national championship last season. Game Program

MHC Logo THE LYONS: Mount Holyoke (1-2, 0-0 NEWMAC) picked up its first win of the season on Sunday, defeating Western New England University 66-53 in the consolation game of the Golden Bears Hoops Classic. Guard Annabel Barrett was named to the All-Tournament Team after racking up 31 points over the course of the weekend. The point guard has netted 10.3 points per game to go with six assists thus far this season. The Lyons have also received solid production from shooting guards Angelica Pascual and Christine Chancy, who have averaged 13.0 points per game apiece. Newcomer Nicole DeMarchena has made an immediate impact in the paint, recording 8.0 points and 11.0 rebounds per outing to go with seven blocked shots. Classmate Amber Legare has chipped in with 6.7 points and 8.0 rebounds from the post.

Opponent Logo THE LORD JEFFS: Amherst (2-0, 0-0 NESCAC) took the crown at its tip-off tournament over the weekend, defeating Norwich University (90-38) and Saint Lawrence (93-63). Forward Lem Atanga McCormick earned Tournament Most Valuable Player honors after averaging 14.0 points and 4.0 rebounds per outing. As a team, the Lord Jeffs have drained 20 three-pointers en route to 91.5 points per game. Guard Caroline Steadman (17.0), forward Megan Robertson (13.5), forward Bridget Crowley (12.0), guard Kim Fiorentino (11.0) and guard Shannon Finucane (10.0) have all averaged double digits in the scoring column. Crowley has also pulled down a team-best 7.5 rebounds per outing.

NEXT UP: Mount Holyoke will open up conference play on the road against Smith College next Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Meanwhile, Amherst will host Keene State College on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.