NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (Nov. 30, 2011) – The Mount Holyoke College basketball team opened up NEWMAC play with a 66-33 setback to longtime rival Smith College this evening at Ainsworth Gymnasium. First year forward Amber Legare paced the Lyons with seven points and six rebounds.

Sophomore guard Annabel Barrett posted eight points, while senior forward Tricia Chase and junior guard Angelica Pascual added six apiece. Mount Holyoke also received solid production from first year forward Nicole DeMarchena, who pulled down six boards. The Lyons finished with a 32-31 advantage on the glass. They were limited to 24.4% (10-41) shooting from the field.

Smith (5-0, 1-0 NEWMAC) was led by first year guard Maddie Page, who came off the bench to rack up 18 points, eight rebounds and four steals. Sophomore forward Rosa Drummond recorded 17 points, while senior center Ellie Giles chipped in with eight points and five boards. The Pioneers converted 55.3% (26-47) of their shots from the floor and 63.2% (12-19) of their free throws. They turned 23 Mount Holyoke turnovers into 21 points.

Smith exploded out of the gate, outscoring the Lyons 17-2 over the first 8:19 of the contest. The Pioneers took a 32-9 edge into the locker room and led by as many as 35 points on four occasions in the second half. They have come out on top in all five of their games this season.

Mount Holyoke (1-4, 0-1 NEWMAC) will resume its NEWMAC schedule on Saturday, when it hosts nationally-ranked Babson College at 1:00 p.m.