THE SERIES
The game marks the 17th meeting between the two programs, dating back to the first contest during the 2000 season - an 11-7 Pioneer victory. WNE leads the all-time series 14-2 and has won the last 14 meetings.
LAST MEETING
First-year
Emily Biggs (Florence, Mass./Northampton) recorded a hat trick in her first career lacrosse game in the Pioneers' 14-8 loss to WNE on March 5, 2016.
LAST SMITH WIN
Smith's last win came on April 16, 2001.
SCOUTING WESTERN NEW ENGLAND
The Golden Bears enter tonight's contest after suffering a 16-10 loss to Springfield Saturday. In that game, Julia Winer led the way with three goals and five assists while junior goalie Shannon McFadden finished with 11 saves. After going 12-7 and reaching the semifinals of the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) tournament last spring, Western New England will be seeking the program's second CCC title in 2017 under 17th-year head coach Aimee Klepacki. Despite losing three of their top four scorers from a season ago to graduation, the Golden Bears return three All-CCC performers in graduate midfielder Emma Norden, McFadden and senior defender Alexa Kimker. Additionally, junior Julia Winer will be back to help lead the offense after recording 81 points on 25 goals and a CCC-best 56 assists in 2016.
SCOUTING THE PIONEERS
The Smith College lacrosse program aims to win their home opener for the third consecutive season tonight against the Golden Bears. After an overall record of 5-11 a season ago, the Pioneers are poised and ready for an improved campaign in 2017. The Pioneers return five of their top six goal scorers from a season ago led by
Julia Hamilton (Williamstown, Mass./Deerfield Academy )'s 46 goals and 14 assists in 2016.
Chloe Harris (Alexandria, Va./West Potomac),
Caroline Myran (Philadelphia, Pa./Germantown Friends School), and
Emily Biggs (Florence, Mass./Northampton) combined to record 46 goals and 26 helpers last season. Returning between the pipes is New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) All-Conference second team selection
Sarah Price (Hudson, Ohio/Hudson). The netminder ranked second in the NEWMAC in saves (145) and save percentage (.495) and recorded double-digit saves in 8-of-14 games played.
UP NEXT
Smith hosts Simmons College this Saturday at 1:00 p.m.
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