NORTHAMPTON, Mass.--The Smith College field hockey team opens it's season at home against Nichols College.  Here's the lowdown on the Bison.

Last Meeting: September 8, 2010.  Nichols 4, Smith 1 - Natalie Wickles (Hatfield, Mass./Smith Academy) '11 scored Smith's lone goal as the Pioneers fell in the season opener.

Last Smith Win: September 9, 2008.  Smith 5, Nichols 4 (OT).  Then a first year, Phoebe Hopkins (Philadelphia, Pa./Friends Select) scored twice and set up another goal as Smith forced overtime with just 1:13 left in the game.  Wickles scored the sudden death winner after 6:20 of the extra period was played. 

Smith Overview: Head coach Jaime Ginsberg embarks on her fifth season with a young but talented squad.  With eight sophomores and six first years on board, the Pioneers are looking to return to the NEWMAC tournament for the first time since the 2008 season.

Nichols Overview: The Bison are coming off a 13-5 season in 2010.  Nichols posted a 7-1 record in The Commonwealth Coast Conference play, but were upset in the conference semifinals by the University of New England.  Head coach Kristan Mallett has a record of 63-38 in her five seasons, and led the Bison to the NCAA tournament in 2009.

Smith Player To Watch:  Phoebe Hopkins (Philadelphia, Pa./Friends Select).  The senior has earned All-NEWMAC Honors in each of her first three seasons, and led Smith in scoring in each of her first two years.  Now a co-captain, she is fourth on Smith's all time goal scoring list with 26

Nichols Player To Watch: Chelsea Correia.  The senior notched 15 goals and set up four more last season, including eight goals of the game winning variety.

Did you Know? Smith's roster features players from seven different states and two different countries.