January 5, 2006
For Immediate Release
Contact:  Carole Grills
(413) 585-2703

Smith Drops Conference Opener to Coast Guard 59-48

Northampton, MA:  The Pioneers fell to 4-6 overall and 0-1 in the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) this evening losing 59-48 to Coast Guard.  With the victory the Bears improve to 2-4 overall and 1-0 in conference competition.

            The Pioneers took an early 11-9 lead behind the shooting of Jennifer Daley (Lee, MA), Nati Lenchner (Azor, Israel), Shelley Harrison (Reston, VA) and Sarah Posnak (Coral Gables, FL) but it was the last time Smith would have the advantage.  Coast Guard’s balanced attack gave them a 22-17 halftime lead with Natalie Moyer (Oklahoma City, OK), DeCarole Davis (Woodbridge, VA) and Mary Arvidson (Saline, MI) combining for 16 points.

            The Bears took a ten point lead in the second half but the Pioneers answered to bring them to within four (26-30). Regina Dunn (Ralston, NE) scored two and Moyer converted two free throws for the Bears while Lenchner and Courtney Parker (Berlin, MD) made jumpers and Posnak a three pointer for Smith to close the gap to one at 33-34. The Pioneers would come within one again at 37-38 but Coast Guard slowly pulled away at that point to take the victory.

            Four players scored double figures for the Bears including Moyer who had a game high 21 with teammates Dunn, Arvidson and Davis adding 12, 11 and 10 respectively.  Lenchner was the leading scorer with 18 in the loss for the Pioneers while Harrison had a game high 6 blocked shots.

            Smith will be in action again on Saturday, January 7 at 2 pm when they host NEWMAC rival Babson College.