Basketball Defeats Middlebury 80-47

The Smith College basketball team played against Middlebury College on Tuesday, Nov. 20, defeating the Panthers 80-47. The Pioneers earned their first victory against Middlebury College by limiting the Panthers to 30% shooting from the floor.  

The Panthers started off the game with an early lead of 4-0, to which the Pioneers responded with nine straight points, with help from Amanda Zakoske ’13 and Paulina Solis ’15. Rosa Drummond ’14 assisted considerably by scoring a three-point basket. From there on out, the Pioneers were unstoppable. Devon Quattrocchi’s ’13 jumper took the score to 17-6 at 12:41, while Lauren Weston’s ’15 short hoop made it 29-10. With 2:27 to go until halftime, Bethany Claps’ ’16 layup led Smith to 41-17, giving the team its biggest advantage. Brittany Purington’s ’13 basket just seconds before halftime gave the Pioneers a lead of 43-20. 

“I thought our team executed the game plan against Middlebury with tremendous intensity and energy,” said Head Coach Lynn Hersey. “Our defensive pressure is always a key factor against any opponent we face. Tonight our veterans led us in that pressure and our younger players exhibited the type of work ethic it takes to play that style [of]defense.”

The second half of the game continued in a similar pattern as the first, with the Pioneers leading by a 10-2 run. Drummond contributed two free throws. With 3:06 remaining of the game, Solis sank a layup, adding to the Pioneers’ commanding 37-point lead. 

Said Hersey, “We all enjoyed playing at home in front of our fans and representing Smith. This game was a great beginning to the long journey ahead of us.  Our goal is simply to get better each day and to enjoy the moments we spend together.”