Athletics News and Press Releases

December 15, 2005
For Immediate Release
Contact: Joy Zazzera
(413) 585-3076

Smith Basketball Downed by Amherst 67-54 in
Non Conference Action

AMHERST, MA – Smith Basketball saw their record fall below the .500 mark on Wednesday evening following a 67-54 loss to Amherst College.   Smith made a big first half statement when sophomore guard Ashley Sutton (Greenfield, MA) dropped a three point ball just 22 seconds into the game. With the help of a jumper from junior forward Helena Charron (Pittsfield, NH), Smith quickly built a 5-4 edge. It was an early but final lead of the game for Smith as Amherst junior guard Jenny Muller (Andover, MA) countered with a triple of her own, connecting for 15 first half points to help her Lady Jeffs to the 16 point halftime lead.

Amherst stretched their lead to 19 in the opening minutes of the second half, but Smith would not go down quietly, as junior Nati Lenchner (Azor, Israel) netted 12 second half points in the comeback attempt. Even with the help of Charron’s 9 points and 6 boards, Smith couldn’t contain Amherst’s well-balanced offense, as the Lady Jeffs out shot the Pioneers from the floor, behind the arc and at the charity line.

Lenchner finished with 16 points to lead Smith, a game high for the junior guard this season. Senior Shelley Harrison (Reston, VA) and Sutton each chipped in with 6 points.

Amherst junior guard Jenny Muller (Andover, MA) drained a career-high 22 points while Katie Latham (Wakefield, MA) and Stephanie Reiff (Hinsdale, IL) each joined Muller in double figures with 11 points apiece.

Smith, now 4-5 overall, will resume play when New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference play opens up on January 5th at home against the Bears of Coast Guard. The Bears will enter conference play carrying an overall mark of 1-4.

              1   2    Final
Smith (4-5)    24    30    54
Amherst (4-5)        38    29    67

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