Athletics News and Press Releases

November 18, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joy Zazzera
(413) 585-3076

Smith Basketball Opens Season With Loss to Lewis & Clark

Portland, Ore: The Pioneers of Smith opened the 2005-2006 basketball season this evening in Portland, Oregon at the Bon Appetit Classic hosted by Lewis & Clark College, falling to the host school 77-36 in the second game of tonight’s doubleheader.

While Smith only lost one senior to graduation in 2005, they are relying on a mix of veterans and newcomers to help lead the team this season. In tonight’s season opener, the Pioneers were able to contain Lewis & Clark in the first 20 minutes of play, trailing only by seven at the half, but struggled on offense in the second half, shooting just 17.2 % from the floor (24.6 % FG for the game).   Lewis & Clark took advantage of their experience, returning 4 of their 5 top players from last season, scoring 47 second half points, mounting a comfortable lead on the Pioneers to notch their first win of the season.

Smith struggled from the free throw line, shooting just 35 % and had trouble settling into their offense as Lewis & Clark caused Smith to turn the ball over 26 times.   Lewis & Clark shot 55 % from the charity stripe while committing only 18 turnovers on the night.

Lewis & Clark first year point guard Kimberly Kittell (Tillamook, Ore) led all scorers with 15 points and 4 assists while sophomore forward Allison Farr (Lakeport, CA) netted 11 and grabbed 8 rebounds. Sophomore center Sara Kettler (Dana Point, CA) chipped in with 10 points, 7 boards and 3 blocked shots while junior guard Sara Moon (Portland, OR) had 6 steals.

Sophomore guard Ashley Sutton (Greenfield, MA) led Smith with 9 points in her debut as a Pioneer. Junior forward Helena Charron (Pittsfield, NH) contributed 8 points while senior forward Shelly Harrison (Reston, VA) blocked 4 shots and grabbed 8 boards.

Smith will look to rebound from tonight’s season opening loss tomorrow when they square off against the Bearcats of Willamette University at 6pm. Willamette is coming off their season opening loss this evening against the University of Scranton (PA) Royals 71-59 in the first game of tonight’s doubleheader at Pamplin Sports Center at Lewis & Clark College.

                     1    2    F
Lewis & Clark College (1-0)    30    47    77
Smith College (0-1)                23    13    36

3-pt: Smith- Ashley Sutton; Lewis & Clark- Kimberly Kittell (3), Sara Moon (2), Shawna Castle; Offensive Rebounds: Smith 14; Lewis & Clark 14; Defensive Rebounds: Smith 25; Lewis & Clark 38; Turnovers: Smith 26; Lewis & Clark 18; Steals: Smith 9; Lewis & Clark 18; FG %: Smith 24.6 %; Lewis & Clark 48.4 %; F Throw %: Smith 35 %; Lewis & Clark 55 %

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