January 24, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Hannah Shalett
(203) 417-3222

Smith Basketball Drops Babson 65-58

Northampton, MA: The Pioneers pulled an upset over New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) opponent Babson this evening. Sophomore Anna Veltri (West Milford, NJ) led the way with a game-high 26 points, including six crucial free throws in the final 48 seconds of the game to help secure the victory for Smith. With the win, the Pioneers now stand at 8-8 on the year and 2-4 in conference. The Beavers of Babson drop to 10-7 (3-2).

Veltri's 26 points came on 7-14 shooting from the field, 8-10 from the free throw line, and 4-6 from three point range. Jessica Welk (Arlington, WA) also scored in double figures with 13 points and Berit Shelde (Holstebro, Denmark) chipped in 12 for the Pioneers. Lisa Marie Vuono (Lindhurst, NJ) contributed 10 rebounds and seven assists. The front court tandem of Meredith Murelli (Litchfield, CT) and Courtney Parker (Ocean City, MD) combined for 13 rebounds for the Pioneers.

The first half featured an exchange of leads between the two teams with Babson taking a narrow 30-29 lead into the intermission. The Beavers came out of the gate in the second half increasing their lead to 35-31 before Smith went on a dominating 17-4 run to take the largest lead of the game with 13:18 on the clock. Babson then went on their own run tying the game at 54-54 with 6:26 to go.

The Pioneers took the lead for good with 3:32 remaining, as Vuono found Parker for an easy lay-up on an inbounds play. Babson was able to get within three points of the Pioneers two times in the final minutes but was unable to get any closer. Veltri's six free throws in the final 48 seconds of the game held the Beavers at bay as Smith held on for the 65-48 win.

Smith returns to action Wednesday as they travel to Mount Holyoke for a 7 pm tip off.