NORTHAMPTON, Mass. - Senior guard Katy McClellan (Palmyra, Pa./Palmyra Area) scored a career-high 23 points and was named the Tyler Tip-Off Tournament Most Valuable Player as the Smith College basketball team defeated Hartwick College, 74-65, in the title game Saturday afternoon at Ainsworth Gymnasium, The Pioneers move to 4-0 on the year, while the Hawks dip to 3-1.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Smith jumped out to an 11-2 lead in the first two minutes of the game but that was quickly erased as Hartwick chipped away and was able to come within two points on a free throw at the end of the quarter to make it 16-14.

The Hawks lead grew to as large as six (27-21) on a Carly Johnson jumper at the 3:57 mark as the visitors would go into halftime with a 33-29 advantage.

A jumper from Bondi tied the game at 39 apiece 4:23 into the third quarter. The lead would change six time down the stretch of the third period but a Pickunka bucket gave the Pioneers a 55-54 edge going into the fourth.

The Pioneers extended their 62-59 lead on a 5-0 run to give them an eight point cushion with 3:44 left to play. First year Dashelle Gleissner (Los Angeles, Calif./Serra) and senior Lauren Bondi (Burnaby, BC, Can./Notre Dame Secondary) combined to go 4-of-4 from the free throw line in the final minute of the game to secure the win for the Pioneers.


SMITH HIGHLIGHTS

• McClellan's 23 points came on 7-of-12 shooting and 7-of-10 free throws. She also added six rebounds.
• Bondi, who was named to the All-Tournament Team, finished with 12 points, five assists, and three steals.
• Gleissner and classmate Katelyn Pickunka (Westhampton, Mass./Hampshire) finished with career-highs of points and 12 points, respectively.

HARTWICK HIGHLIGHTS

• Carly Johnson led all players with 26 points on the night as she shot 8-of-15 from the floor and connected on three three-pointers to go along with three rebounds and two blocks.
• Kelly Pine was also in double figures with 11 points and three boards.
• Caitlin Corbett added eight points and she pulled down a game-high 12 rebounds.

GAME NOTES

• Smith held a 34-33 edge on the glass and forced 18 turnovers.
• The Pioneers won the Tyler Tip-Off for the third consecutive season.
• Bondi has made a three-pointer in 16 straight games dating back to last season.
• Smith improves to 1-0 all-time against the Hawks.

TYLER TIP-OFF TOURNAMENT ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
MVP: Katy McClellan (Palmyra, Pa./Palmyra Area) - Smith
Lauren Bondi (Burnaby, BC, Can./Notre Dame Secondary) - Smith
Carly Johnson - Hartwick
Mary Rorke - Salve Regina
Emily Oliver - Norwich

UP NEXT
The Pioneers will take the week off and return to action next Sunday, November 25 when they host NYU at 3:00 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.