Photo by Charlie Quigg '09 Senior Julie Smith posted 23 points and eight rebounds in a career night to lead the Jeffs.

Amherst Women's Basketball Snaps Four-Game Skid With 64-46 Pioneer Valley Classic Win At Westfield State

December 3, 2005

WESTFIELD, MA – Senior Julie Smith (Villanova, PA) posted a career-high 23 points and eight rebounds to secure All-Pioneer Valley Classic honors and help the Amherst College women’s basketball team to a 64-46 win at tournament host Westfield State College on Saturday. The Jeffs snapped a four-game losing streak with the win and improved to 2-4 on the season, while Westfield St. fell to 2-4.

Smith did most of her damage in the opening half, tallying 16 points and guiding the Jeffs out to a 35-18 advantage at the break. She finished nine-of-10 from the field and was a flawless five-for-five at the charity stripe. Sophomores Shaina Pollack (Great Neck, NY) and Stefanie Reiff (Hinsdale, IL) notched 11 points apiece, while rookie Yasmine Harik (Rye Brook, NY) chipped a career-high nine boards and a trio of steals. Senior co-captain Krissy Morin (Litchfield, NH) posted a good all-around game, adding five points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal.

The Amherst defense was impressive as well, holding the Owls to just 28.9% (13-for-45) shooting, including a dreadful 23.8% (five-for-21) from behind the arc, while forcing 16 turnovers and pulling down 29 defensive boards.

Westfield St. senior Meghan McCarthy earned all-tournament plaudits, posting eight points, six rebounds, five assists and a pair of steals, while sophomore teammate Becky Passetto tallied a team-high 13 points and six boards.

Amherst returns to action Tuesday at 7 p.m. at non-conference foe Clark University.

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