February 14, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Carole Grills
(413) 585-2703

Smith Basketball Falls to Thomas College

Northampton, MA: The Pioneers fell to Thomas College of Waterville, Maine 61-54 this evening in Northampton. With the victory, the Terriers improved to 8-10 overall while Smith fell to 4-16.

Smith opened the game with a 7-0 run on baskets by Jessica Welk (Arlington, WA) and Laura Miller (Minneapolis, MN) with a free throw by Lisa Marie Vuono (Lyndhurst, NJ) before Amy Miles (Waldo, ME) put the Terriers on the board. Thomas continued to close the gap and tied the game at 13. Smith again took the lead on a three-pointer by Berit Schelde (Holstebro, Denmark) but two free throws by Alexis Evans (Emden, ME) brought the Terriers within one point. The teams exchanged baskets and with 7:19 remaining, Mallorie Blakney (Fairfield, ME) converted a trey with Kim Denbow (Readfield, ME) hitting back-to-back shots beyond the arc to give Thomas a 25-20 advantage. The Terriers extended their lead to seven on a hoop by Lea McNary (Marlborough, CT). Smith's Talia Williams (Montpelier, VT) responded with a three-pointer to close within four but McNary hit two free throws to stretch the lead to six. The Pioneers closed to within one (29-28) at the half on a basket by Miller and hitting three free throws.

The teams exchanged baskets in the first ten minutes of the second half and with 9:05 left, Smith took a one-point (42-41) lead on a shot by Vuono. The teams tied at 42 and 44 before Miles put Thomas ahead by three.  The visitors slowly increased their lead and took the 61-54 victory.

Schelde tallied a game high 18 points for Smith while Miller registered a double double with 16 points and 11 rebounds.  Blakney had a team high 15 points for Thomas while McNary scored 11 points with 10 rebounds.