Lyons Game Day Central: Basketball vs. Smith

Kathleen O'Conner

THE MATCHUP: Mount Holyoke hosts longtime rival Smith College Wednesday evening (7:00 p.m.) at the Mildred S. Howard Gymnasium. The Lyons were downed 66-33 by the Pioneers in the NEWMAC opener for both teams on November 30. They were paced by Annabel Barrett, who posted eight points. Tricia Chase and Angelica Pascual added six points apiece, while Nicole DeMarchena pulled down six rebounds. Maddie Page came off the bench to record 18 points, eight boards and four steals for Smith. The Pioneers also received a boost from Rosa Drummond, who finished with 17 points. Game Program

MHC Logo THE LYONS: Mount Holyoke (3-13, 1-9 NEWMAC) picked up its first NEWMAC victory of the year earlier this month, defeating the Coast Guard Academy 63-51. The Lyons were paced by guard Angelica Pascual, who poured in a season-best 23 points. In addition to averaging 12.1 points per game, the captain has also chipped in with 29 assists and 20 steals. She has drained 20 shots from beyond the arc. Fellow guards Christine Chancy and Annabel Barrett have recorded 9.0 points per game. Meanwhile, forward Amber Legare has made an immediate impact on the program with 8.8 points and 7.0 rebounds per outing. Her 23 blocked shots are good for tops on the team. Guard Jasmine Brown has dished out 35 assists to set the tone for Mount Holyoke's offense.

Opponent Logo THE PIONEERS: Smith (12-4, 7-3 NEWMAC) currently sits in a three-way tie for second place in the NEWMAC standings thanks to a balanced offensive attack and solid defense. Forward Rosa Drummond has set the tone for the Pioneers with her outstanding all-around play. Last season's NEWMAC Rookie of the Year has piled up 13.1 points and 6.2 rebounds per game while knocking down 20 three-pointers. Smith has also received solid production from its backcourt tandem of Lizzy BelBruno and Devon Quattrocchi. BelBruno has delivered 8.9 points per game, while Quattrocchi has amassed 57 assists and 37 steals to go with 7.2 points per outing. Center Ellie Giles has chipped in with 6.9 points and 6.7 rebounds per game while blocking 33 shots.

NEXT UP: Both squads will resume their NEWMAC schedules on Saturday. Mount Holyoke will visit nationally-ranked Babson College at 1:00 p.m., while Smith will host Wheaton College at 2:00 p.m.