NORTHAMPTON, Mass.--The Smith College basketball team overcame some early shooting woes to post a 65-44 victory over Mount Holyoke College in New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) game on Wednesday night.
Smith is now 15-2 overall, and 10-1 against NEWMAC foes. Mount Holyoke lost for the fifth time in six games, and is now 4-12 overall, with a 2-9 mark against NEWMAC opposition.
Paulina Solis poured in 16 points, and chipped in nine assists, eight steals, and five rebounds. Devon Quattrocchi added 11 points. Lauren Weston also added eight points and nine rebounds in 13 minutes of action.
Angelica Pascual led Mount Holyoke with 15 points, while Amber Legare had 10 points and pulled down 16 rebounds. Kate Karraker also added 11 points.
The Pioneers started slowly, missing their first four baskets and connecting on only one of their opening eight attempts on goal. Meanwhile, Mount Holyoke raced out to an 9-4 lead, as Amber Legare knocked down a jumper and Kate Karraker hit the first of three three-pointers that forced Smith into a timeout.
Bethany Claps, who scored all 10 of her points in the first half, got Smith within a point at 11-10 with 11:14 left in the first half, and knocked down two free throws that made it a 15-14 game with 8:48 to play. Paulina Solis' no-look pass set up Marissa Munoz-Ruiz for a layup, and Claps' scored from inside again for a basket that gave Smith the lead for good.
Solis knocked down a triple that put Smith up 29-22 with 3:42 remaining, but Mount Holyoke closed the half on a 6-3 burst capped by Pascual's three pointer with 1:05 to play. Smith led 33-28 at the break.
Pascual's layup at the 14:43 mark of the second half got the Lyons within two points at 36-34, but Smith pulled away for good, scoring the next nine points of the game to push the lead to double-digits. Back-to-back threes, including the first career three from Zakoske and another from Quattrocchi put Smith up by 20.
Smith will be back in action this weekend, traveling to Wheaton College for a 1 p.m. tip-off. Mount Holyoke will entertain No. 24 Babson College at 1 p.m. Both games are scheduled for Saturday, January 26.
Story courtesy of Abe Osheyack, Smith College Sports Information Director. Photo courtesy of Frank Poulin.
