January 17, 2006

NORTHAMPTON, MA

Smith Basketball battles rival Mount Holyoke, top ranked in the NEWMAC Conference, to a tie with ten minutes remaining, only to lose 59-37.  The Pioneers drop to 5-9 overall and 0-4 in the NEWMAC.

Smith allowed MHC to score the first eight points of the game while building a comfortable nine point lead in the first half, 30-21.  Smith came to life at the beginning of the second half making a 10-1 run knotting the game at 31 all with fourteen minutes remaining.  Over the next four minutes the teams remained tied before the Lyons’ seniors Joeanna Silvey and Jonee Billy built a lead they would not relinquish.

A physical game led to Smith attempting five free throws while MHC converted on 28 of 38 free throws to seal the victory.  Smith was lead by junior, Helena Charron (Pittsfield, NH) who netted a team high 12 points and five rebounds. Junior Nati Lenchner (Azor, ISRAEL) picked up nine boards and three steals.

The Pioneers host the Engineers of WPI Saturday, January 21 at 2:00pm.