NORTHAMPTON, MA. — The Smith College lacrosse team turned in a dominant performance on Wednesday night, powering past Wellesley 21–9 at Smith Turf Field. With 12 different players recording a point, the Pioneers improved to 8–6 overall and 4–3 in NEWMAC play, continuing their push toward the postseason.

Play-by-Play Highlights

Smith came out firing in the first quarter, scoring five goals in the opening six minutes. The Pioneers moved the ball quickly in transition and finished cleanly inside the arc, with early goals from Kyra Hawk (San Jose, CA/The Harker School), Caroline Sanders (Orange County, CA/Santa Margarita Catholic), Jenna Paczkowski (Jupiter, FL/Choate Rosemary Hall), and Layna Fitzgerald (Indianapolis, IN/Cathedral). Hawk closed the quarter with her third goal as Smith surged ahead to a 9–2 lead after one.

The momentum carried into the second quarter as Smith went on a 6–0 run, extending the lead to 15–4 before halftime. Fitzgerald buried back-to-back free-position goals, and Smith continued to execute in settled offense with sharp passing and off-ball movement. Wellesley was held scoreless for nearly 12 minutes in the quarter.

Wellesley opened the second half with a goal, but Smith immediately answered, with Paczkowski completing her hat trick and Sanders finishing another off a feed from Hawk. The Pioneers controlled possession through the third quarter and entered the final frame with an 19–7 advantage.

Smith closed out the game with disciplined clock management and team-wide contributions on both ends. The final goal came from Zoey Wire (Alamo, CA/Monte Vista), who finished a strong individual effort with 7:00 remaining to secure the 21–9 win.

Team Notes

• Smith caused 16 turnovers, forcing Wellesley into rushed possessions and transition errors.

• The Pioneers were 17-for-19 on clear attempts and controlled the draw 18 to 16.

• Goalkeepers Brooke Testa (Pittstown, NJ/Delaware Valley), Paige Rocha (Melrose, MA/Melrose), and Shannon Houtenville (East Windsor, NJ/Highstown) combined for nine saves, including five from Rocha in the second half.

• Defenders Jordan Hoffman (Portland, OR/Jesuit), Leigh Hillmanno (Yardville, NJ/Princeton Day School), and Caroline Weyhrich (Boise, ID/Boise) played key roles in shutting down Wellesley's attack and pushing pace through the midfield.

Up Next:

Smith returns to action on Saturday for a key NEWMAC road matchup against Wheaton. Opening draw is scheduled for 1:00 PM. 

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, and Instagram.