Box Score NORTHAMPTON, Mass. - The Smith College lacrosse team was unable to overcome the strong defense of Babson College in the Pioneers 16-3 loss in New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) action Saturday afternoon.

With the loss, Smith drops to 4-9 overall and 0-5 in the NEWMAC, while Babson, which has won five straight and eight of its last nine games, is now 9-3 overall and 5-0 in conference play.

The Pioneers were led by Julia Hamilton (Williamstown, Mass./Deerfield Academy)'s two goals and one assist followed by senior Ray Silveria (Dunstable, Mass./Groton-Dunstable)'s tally and helper. 

Sophomore Julia Harrigan scored three goals and finished with nine draw controls for the Beavers. Senior McKenzie Tucci and juniors Emily Bresnahan and Kiley Fischer all scored twice for Babson.

The Beavers jumped out to a 4-0 lead before Hamilton's 40th goal of the season put Smith on the board. Babson would close out the half on a 4-0 run, including one in the final eight seconds to go into halftime leading 8-1.

Another two from the Green and White was answered by Ray Silveria (Dunstable, Mass./Groton-Dunstable), who found the back of the net 1:50 into the second period, making the score 10-2.

The two teams then exchanged goals before Babson closed out the half on a 6-0 run.

Goalkeeper Stevie Burger made five saves for the Beavers, all in the second half, while sophomore Sarah Price (Hudson, Ohio/Hudson) stopped 17 for the Pioneers in the losing effort.

Babson finished with a 40-10 edge in shots and held a slim 15-14 advantage in ground balls.

Both teams return to action on Wednesday as Smith visits Springfield at 6 p.m. still in search of their first conference win, while the Green and White host Coast Guard at 4 p.m.