February 4, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Hannah Shalett
(203) 417-3222

Smith Basketball Drops Game To Coast Guard

Northampton, MA: In a battle between teams competing for the eighth and final playoff spot in the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) post-season tournament, the Pioneers fell to the Bears of the Coast Guard Academy 58-46. With the loss Smith now stands at 8-11 on the year and 2-7 in the NEWMAC. The Bears are now 4-15 (3-5).

Behind the strong play of Melissa Martinelli (Vero Beach, FL) and Jennifer Tamminen (Irvine, CA) the Bears were able to take a 31-20 lead into half time. The Pioneers battled to within six points at 40-34 with 13:32 left in the game, but were unable to get any closer. The Academy then went on a nine point tear to take control 49-34 with 10:02 to go. Smith was hurt all night by its inability to strike from behind the arc, missing all 11 from 3 point range.

For the Pioneers, Berit Schelde (Holstebro, Denmark) led the way with 15 points and six rebounds. Teammate Lisa Marie Vuono (Lyndhurst, NJ) contributed10 points and six rebounds. Leading the way for Smith on the boards was Megan Kiefer (Oak Park, IL) with seven rebounds.

The Pioneers return to action Saturday as they travel to WPI for a 2 pm start in another NEWMAC match-up.