NEWPORT, RI - Hannah Martin (North Andover, MA/North Andover) poured in a career-high 24 points to go along with seven rebounds and four steals and third-ranked Smith remained undefeated in conference play with a 68-44 win over Salve Regina Saturday afternoon. The Bears, who improved to 16-1 on the year and 3-0 in the NEWMAC, owned a 45-27 advantage on the boards. The Seahawks fall to 6-11, 0-3 NEWMAC.

Trailing 4-2, Hannah Martin (North Andover, MA/North Andover) hit three consecutive 3-pointers, her first at 6:34 assisted by Uta Nakamura (Manhattan, NY/Long Island Lutheran), to push the Bears ahead 11-4. Kate Hackney (Thousand Oaks, CA/Bishop Alemany) extended Smith's advantage with a layup and free throws, concluding the quarter at 18-9 in favor of the visitors. The Seahawks managed to keep pace through a 3-pointer by Marissa Forino, yet struggled with turnovers, committing nine in the quarter.

The Bears maintained their lead throughout the second period, propelled by scoring contributions from Uta Nakamura (Manhattan, NY/Long Island Lutheran) and Mya Williams (Temple City, CA/Bishop Amat Memorial). Nakamura capitalized on a Salve Regina turnover for a layup at 5:33, extending Smith's advantage. Forino kept the Seahawks in contention with timely 3-pointers, but Smith's defense, highlighted by five steals, kept them ahead. The quarter ended with Ella Sylvester's (Everett, WA/Everett) free throws, concluding with a 32-23 lead for Smith.

Smith extended their advantage in the third quarter, highlighted by Virginia Johnson's (Minneapolis, MN/Southwest) two 3-pointers, which contributed to a 15-12 scoring advantage over the Seahawks. Sofia Neary scored early free throws for Salve Regina, narrowing the gap to 32-25. Emma Cochrane provided a boost for the Seahawks with two layups, but Smith's strong rebounding, led by Ella Sylvester (Everett, WA/Everett) and Kate Hackney (Thousand Oaks, CA/Bishop Alemany), helped maintain their edge. Hackney's defensive rebound at the buzzer ensured the Bears closed the quarter leading 47-35.

Martin led the Bears with a strong offensive performance, scoring the first six points of the fourth quarter, including two layups and a 3-pointer, to extend their lead to 54-35. Smith's defensive pressure was evident as Ella Sylvester (Everett, WA/Everett) and Martin each recorded a steal, contributing to the Seahawks' four turnovers in the quarter. Mya Williams (Temple City, CA/Bishop Amat Memorial) added to Smith's tally with back-to-back free throws and a layup, helping secure a decisive 68-44 victory. Cochrane of the Seahawks made two free throws in the final seconds, but it was not enough to close the gap.

Smith Top Performers
Hannah Martin (North Andover, MA/North Andover)  
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- 24 points  
- 4 3-pointers  
- 4 steals  
- 7 rebounds  

Kate Hackney (Thousand Oaks, CA/Bishop Alemany)  
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- 13 points  
- 9/10 free throws made  
- 10 rebounds  

Virginia Johnson (Minneapolis, MN/Southwest)  
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- 9 points  
- 3 3-pointers  

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

Up Next
Smith hosts Wellesley College on Wednesday, January 28 at 7:00pm. 

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