NORTHAMPTON, Mass.--A new era of Smith College lacrosse gets underway when the Pioneers host Nichols College in the season opener for both teams.  The game marks the Smith debut of new head coach Jen Nardi.

Last Meeting: This is the first meeting between the schools.

Smith Overview: Smith goes into 2012 with new expectations.  Offense should not be a problem, with the trio of Becky Bracken (Barrington, R.I./Barrington), Meaghan Fileti (Palos Verdes Estates, Calif./Palos Verdes), and MK Pasini (Columbus, Ohio/Bishop Hartley) combining for 85 goals in 2011.  A healthy Alina Pechacek (Andover, Mass./Phillips Academy) in goal and the emergence of first year Mckenzie Hessel (Portland, Ore./Wilson) will go along way to determine the Pioneers' success in 2012.

Nichols Overview:  Nichols will be looking for the first winning season in program history under the guidance of third year head coach Damir Pesa.  The Bison have not won more than five games in a season since 2001.

Smith Player to Watch: Bracken scored 38 goals as a first year, leading the team in goals in 2011.

Nichols Overview: Krista-Jean Forand netted 46 goals and set up 20 more in 2011.

Did you know? Today's game features a pair of high school teammates - Smith's Stella Protopapas (Woodbridge, Conn./Amity) and Nichols' Stephanie Ryan both attended Amity High School in Woodbridge, Conn.