PROVIDENCE, RI - Sophomore forward Kate Hackney (Thousand Oaks, CA/Bishop Alemany) scored a career-high 13 points to go with 12 rebounds in No. 3 Smith's 78-60 win at Johnson & Wales Saturday afternoon. Junior guard Virginia Johnson (Minneapolis, MN/Southwest) pitched in a double-double of 17 points, 12 boards, five assists and two blocks, while Felicia Fongemie (Ashford, CT/Marianapolis Prep) added 16 points off the bench. The Bears improve to 4-0 on the year, while the Wildcats drop to 3-2 overall. 

Smith started the first quarter with a strong offensive performance, quickly securing a lead. Bre'Aria Cannon (Christiana, TN/Link Academy) initiated scoring with a layup at 9:13, assisted by Johnson. The Bears capitalized on turnovers, with Uta Nakamura's (Manhattan, NY/Long Island Lutheran) steal followed by a layup extending their lead to 9-4 at the 7:09 mark. Johnson contributed significantly with a jumper and a three-pointer, pushing Smith's advantage to 19-10. Mya Williams (Temple City, CA/Bishop Amat Memorial) closed the quarter with a layup, assisted by Jillian Nowicki (San Diego, CA/Our Lady of Peace), securing a 24-16 lead for the Bears.

Smith edged out JWU in the second quarter, scoring 15 points to the home team's 13. Fongemie contributed significantly, with a layup at 8:39 and another at 6:45, following her successful jumper at 7:15 assisted by Nakamura. Smith's defense proved resilient, blocking two attempts and forcing six turnovers. A key moment saw Selam Maher (St.Louis Park, MN/St. Louis Park) hit a fastbreak 3-pointer at 1:56, expanding Smith's lead. Despite JWU's late efforts, including a 3-pointer by Rachel Penny at 0:30, Smith maintained control, closing the quarter ahead, 39-29.

Smith extended their lead against JWU in the third quarter with a strong offensive showing. Johnson opened the scoring with a three-pointer at 9:37, assisted by Kate Hackney (Thousand Oaks, CA/Bishop Alemany). The Bears capitalized on their defensive efforts, with Cannon converting two free throws at 8:39 following a foul by Mikayla Caruso. A fast-break layup by Maher at 7:29 prompted JWU to take a timeout. Williams added to Smith's advantage with a layup and free throw at 1:38, contributing to a 17-10 scoring edge in the quarter. Despite a late layup by Mia Cruz and two free throws by Brianne Foley, JWU trailed 56-39 by the end of the quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Smith maintained their lead with a solid performance, outscoring JWU 22-21. Fongemie contributed significantly with a timely three-pointer at 8:38 and a layup at 4:19. Nakamura was effective from the free-throw line, making four successful attempts in the final two minutes. Despite a scoring push from Isabella Suero, who hit multiple three-pointers, Smith's defense and rebounding efforts, particularly by Johnson with key defensive boards, secured their victory, finishing 78-60.

Smith Top Performers
Virginia Johnson (Minneapolis, MN/Southwest)  
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- 17 points  
- 12 rebounds  
- 5 assists  
- 2 blocks  

Felicia Fongemie (Ashford, CT/Marianapolis Prep)  
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- 16 points  
- 6 field goals made  

Kate Hackney (Thousand Oaks, CA/Bishop Alemany)  
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- 13 points  
- 12 rebounds  
- 2 steals  

Uta Nakamura (Manhattan, NY/Long Island Lutheran)  
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- 6 points  
- 3 steals  

Mya Williams (Temple City, CA/Bishop Amat Memorial)  
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- 9 points  
- 5 rebounds  
- 1 block  


Up Next
Smith is back in action on Sunday, November 30 when it hosts No. 10 Trinity at 4:00pm

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 onto GoSmithBears.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram