Athletics News and Press Releases

For Immediate Release
Contact: Carole Grills
(413) 585-2703

                   Basketball Drops NEWMAC Opener

Northampton, MA: The Pioneers were defeated 74-60 by Babson College this afternoon in Babson Park in the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) opener for both teams. Babson improved to 4-6 overall while Smith fell to 1-10.

     The Beavers jumped out to an early 17-6 lead in the opening ten minutes but the Pioneers fought back and by the half, Babson had just a one-point lead (29-28).   Caitlin Boulier (Wolcott, CT) and Becky Pelletier (Harwinton, CT) combined for 15 points in the first half for Babson while Smith's Helena Charron (Portland ME) and Berit Schelde (Holstebro, Denmark) together scored 17 for the Pioneers.

     Babson opened with a 13-2 run to build a 43-30 advantage just five minutes into the second half behind the shooting of Boulier and Colleen Burke (Pittsfield, MA) who ended the half scoring 15 of her 18 points. The Pioneers closed to within nine on three occasions but couldn't overcome the deficit. Boulier led all scorers with 19 points with Lindsey Poulson (Leominster, MA) adding 16 with 10 rebounds. Suzy Ward (North Attleboro, MA) had a game high 15 rebounds in the Babson victory.

     Sophomore Courtney Parker (Berlin, MD) tallied a double double for Smith with team highs in points (14) and rebounds (12). Schelde and Charron ended with 12 and 11 points respectively.

     Smith is in action again on Tuesday when they travel to NEWMAC opponent Coast Guard for a 5:30 pm game.

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