CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. - The Smith College basketball team opened its season with an easy 72-27 win over Pine Manor College Tuesday evening. The Pioneers begin the 2018-19 season 1-0, while the Gators start the year 0-1.

SMITH HIGHLIGHTS

• Lauren Bondi (Burnaby, BC, Can./Notre Dame Secondary) was one of three Pioneers in double-figures with 15 points. The senior also added seven assists and three steals.
• Senior Kennedy Guest-Pritchett (Fairburn, Ga./The Lawrenceville School) recorded 10 points and five rebounds.
• Senior Katy McClellan (Palmyra, Pa./Palmyra Area) finished with 10 points, four boards, and two steals.
• First-year Katelyn Pickunka (Westhampton, Mass./Hampshire) registered nine points and six rebounds off the bench.

PINE MANOR HIGHLIGHTS

• Aleah Lauti led the Gators with eight points and hauled in seven boards.
• Arielle Harrell finished with five points, five boards, and four assists.

GAME NOTES

• The Pioneers moved to 3-2 all-time against the Gators.
• Under head coach Lynn Hersey, Smith improves to 10-2 in season openers.
• Dashelle Gleissner (Los Angeles, Calif./Serra), Katelyn Pickunka (Westhampton, Mass./Hampshire), and Kyra Rideout (Hinsdale, N.H./Vermont Academy) all scored in their collegiate debuts.
• The Pioneers held a 51-30 advantage on the glass and forced 28 turnovers.

UP NEXT
Smith returns to action on Thursday, November 15 at Dean College. Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m.

About Smith Athletics: Smith College is an NCAA Division III member of the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference that sponsors 11 intercollegiate sports. For more information log on to smithpioneers.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.