NORTHAMPTON, Mass. - The Smith College basketball team closed out 2021 with a 62-54 win over SUNY New Paltz Thursday afternoon in Ainsworth Gymnasium.
This marks the second-consecutive victory over New Paltz, as the Pioneers knocked off the Hawks in the second round of the 2020 NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Tournament, 62-60. Smith is now 9-1 on the year.
How It Happened
- Smith jumped out to a 19-11 lead midway through the opening quarter courtesy of Cassidy Creager's (Fairview, PA/Villa Maria Academy) layup. New Paltz quickly responded with an 8-0 run as the team's went into the second knotted at 19
- The Pioneers were able to maintain a small lead throughout the quarter and went into halftime ahead 32-29
- Out of the break, Gleissner made it a double-digit game at 41-31 following a three-pointer at the 5:41 mark but the Hawks chipped away and a Jenny Walton trey made it a 47-39 margin at the end of the third
- A 7-0 run to start the fourth by New Paltz brought them to within one, 47-46, but back-to-back baskets from Jessie Ruffner (Rocklin, Calif./Rocklin) and Morgan Morrison (Detroit, Mich./Detroit Country Day) gave Smith a five-point cushion
- Smith converted free throws down the stretch to seal the 62-54 win
Top Performers
- Junior Morgan Morrison (Detroit, Mich./Detroit Country Day) put forth a dominant effort, finishing with 19 points and 14 rebounds
- Dashelle Gleissner (Los Angeles, Calif./Serra) added 11 points and four steals
- Amelia Clairmont (Laconia, N.H./New Hampton School) chipped in nine points and two assists
Up Next
Smith returns to competition on January 5 at No. 14 Tufts for a 5pm contest.
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.
