NORTHAMPTON - Sophomore forward Mya Williams (Temple City, CA/Bishop Amat Memorial) scored a career-high 16 points as No. 3 Smith defeated Hamilton College, 66-54, Tuesday evening inside Ainsworth Gymnasium. The Bears improve to 11-0 on the season and forced 16 turnovers by the Continentals (8-6).

Smith opened the first quarter with a robust defensive presence, securing nine defensive rebounds. Felicia Fongemie (Ashford, CT/Marianapolis Prep) made an impact early with a layup at 8:44, giving the Bears the initial lead. Hamilton responded with consecutive 3-pointers by Erica Hills and Kendall Harris, putting them ahead 6-2 at 7:37. The Bears regained control with a 3-pointer from Virginia Johnson (Minneapolis, MN/Southwest) at 3:56, assisted by Williams, shifting the lead to 12-9. The quarter ended with a layup by Kate Hackney (Thousand Oaks, CA/Bishop Alemany) at 0:50, assisted by Uta Nakamura (Manhattan, NY/Long Island Lutheran), solidifying Smith's advantage at 16-12.

Smith outscored the Continentals 20-13 in the second quarter, establishing a solid lead. Uta Nakamura (Manhattan, NY/Long Island Lutheran) opened the scoring with a layup, assisted by Selam Maher (St.Louis Park, MN/St. Louis Park) at 9:49. Despite a 3-pointer from Kendall Harris at 8:03, the Bears maintained control with strong inside play, including layups from Ella Sylvester (Everett, WA/Everett) and Johnson. Williams contributed significantly, scoring twice in the paint and converting a three-point play at 2:38. Hannah Martin (North Andover, MA/North Andover) closed the quarter with a layup at 0:11, assisted by Johnson, securing a 36-25 advantage for Smith.

Smith extended their lead in the third quarter with a strong performance, outscoring Hamilton 19-9. Fongemie kicked things off with two free throws at 9:32 and 9:25. Johnson contributed with a 3-pointer at 7:35, assisted by Fongemie. Nakamura added to the momentum with a layup and a free throw at 3:09, following a steal by Johnson. Despite Erica Hills' free throw at 00:39, Hamilton struggled to close the gap, trailing the Bears at the end of the quarter.

Hamilton mounted a comeback effort in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Bears 20-11. Hannah Bernstein contributed significantly for the visitors with a layup and a 3-pointer early in the period, helping to narrow the gap. Erica Hills scored a layup off a fast break at 7:43 to bring Hamilton within 14 points. Despite Hamilton's strong push, the Bears maintained their lead, bolstered by Fongemie, who made key plays including a layup followed by a free throw to keep the Bears ahead. Taylor Lambo was active defensively for Hamilton with a block and several rebounds, but Smith held on to secure the victory as time expired.

Smith Top Performers  
Mya Williams (Temple City, CA/Bishop Amat Memorial)  
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- 16 points  
- 6/9 free throws made  
- 6 rebounds  

Felicia Fongemie (Ashford, CT/Marianapolis Prep)  
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- 13 points  
- 5 field goals made  

Hannah Martin (North Andover, MA/North Andover)  
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- 11 points  
- 8 rebounds  
- 2 steals  

Virginia Johnson (Minneapolis, MN/Southwest)  
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- 8 points  
- 3 steals  
- 5 rebounds  

Selam Maher (St.Louis Park, MN/St. Louis Park)  
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- 2 points  
- 3 steals  

Up Next
Smith faces Springfield College on Saturday, January 10 at 1:00pm in a non-conference matchup.