NORTHAMPTON, Mass. – Smith will try for one final victory of 2014 as the Pioneers welcome the Bridgewater State Bears to Ainsworth Gymnasium Wednesday, December 31 on Community Day.

Bridgewater St. carries a 5-3 record into Wednesday's contest. The Bears opened their season by splitting a pair of games at the University of Southern Maine Tip-Off Classic before rattling off four straight victories, two of which were overtime wins. Bridgewater State's offense is led by the sophomore duo of Chanelle Melton and Jennie Lindland. Defensively, the Bears rank third in the MASCAC with 11.5 steals per game. Lindland leads the squad with 3.1 steals per contest.

Wednesday's meeting will mark the first-ever between the two schools, with the Pioneers returning to the hardwood after posting an 80-67 win over Westfield State University on Dec. 9. Smith is led in scoring by first-year Samantha Alakai (Honolulu, Hawaii/Punahou School), who is averaging 11.8 points per game.

The non-conference showdown is set for a 2 p.m. start time. All members of the Northampton and Smith College Communities are encouraged to attend, while children under 12 can stop by the concession stand for a free bag of popcorn.