CASTLETON, Vt. - The long awaited return to the court did not disappoint, as the #23 Smith basketball team cruised to a 78-57 season-opening win over Castleton University in non-conference action Monday evening in Glenbrook Gym.
The Pioneers begin the year 1-0, dealing Castleton (1-1) its first loss of the campaign.
Top Performers
- In her collegiate debut, sophomore Bobi Mack (Chula Vista, Calif./La Jolla Country Day School) scored 17 points off the bench on 5-of-7 shooting from the field with three from behind-the-arc
- Senior Katelyn Pickunka (Westhampton, Mass./Hampshire) was outstanding, recording a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds to go along with two assists, two steals and two blocks
- Sophomore Ally Yamada (Seal Beach, Calif./Fairmont Prep Academy) totaled 12 points and finished with a game-high seven assists
- Senior Elle Jo Whalen (Woodinville, Wash./Woodinville) added 10 points and four boards
How it Happened
- The Pioneers wasted no time, going up 11-4 as Pickunka and Yamada connected on back-to-back three-pointers early in the first
- After a Castleton layup at the 5:07 mark, Smith would go on a 13-0 run to end the quarter with a 30-8 lead
- An even second stanza put the Pioneers ahead 45-23 at the half
- In the third, Mack would score 10 points and converted free throws in the final seconds to extend the lead to 69-38
- The fourth quarter saw the Spartans outscore Smith 19-8, however the lead was enough for the Pioneers to cruise for the 78-57 victory
Game Notes
- Smith held the Spartans to 28.1% shooting for the game and owned a 46-35 advantage in rebounding
- The Pioneers win their season opener for the seventh consecutive season
Up Next
Smith will host the 30th Annual Tyler Tip-Off Tournament this Saturday and Sunday. The Pioneers open against Vassar on Saturday at 2:00 p.m.
About Smith Athletics: Smith College is a 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.
