Box Score BOSTON, Mass. - Emerson played their hearts out in the last game of the season, facing off against reigning-NEWMAC leaders, Smith College, but ultimately fell too far behind late and lost 81-68.
The game was closer than the score, as the Lions were led by Kelsey Johnson (13 points, 7 rebounds), Kristin Brice (12 points, 6 rebounds), and Elissa Chojnicki (12 points, 7 assists, 3 steals). EC ended the first half with a lead, and kept themselves in the game up until the final buzzer.
The Smith Pioneers extended their winning streak to seven.
In their first season of NEWMAC play, the Lions posted a 9-16 record and went 4-16 in-conference play. The Pioneers finished 15-10 and 15-5 against NEWMAC opponents.
The first half showcased EC's perimeter shooting and ability to dissect a high-pressure defense. As a team, the Lions shot an astounding 62.5% from the field, and went 4-5 from beyond the arc.
The Lions spread the wealth along the way to a 40-39 halftime lead. Kelsey Johnson, Kristin Brice, and Elissa Chojnicki scored eight points apiece, with bench support from Catherine Cloutier, who scored seven points in the first half. EC faced a tough defense in Smith. Emerson capitalized on every opportunity given, and were perfect from the free-throw line in the opening half.
It was a back-and-forth affair from the jump, with Smith leading by a slight margin until Cloutier drained a 3-pointer to tie it up at 14-all with 13:21 remaining. Janissa Delzo scored a quick four points, converting on two free-throw shots and driving for a layup in the paint to bring EC ahead 28-23 with just under seven minutes remaining in the half.
But Smith would not stay quiet. They responding by scoring on consecutive possessions as the Lions could not pull away. Emerson ended the half with a narrow 40-39 advantage.
The second half featured tough defense from both teams. The Lions kept it close until the 7:00 mark, when Smith began to pull ahead as their all their shots seemed to fall. In the half, the Smith Pioneers also saw Paulina Solis score her 1,000th career point off a late three in the win.
Both teams played physical basketball, especially EC. Brice, Cloutier, Chojnicki, and Sienna O'Han all earned four personal fouls late into the game. The Lady Lions struggled late, only shooting 29.4% from the field in the second half.
Smith standouts included Sydney Parkmound (15 points, 7 rebounds), Rosa Drummond (15 points) and Paulina Solis (16 points).
Written by Keely Flanagan, Emerson Athletics Media Relations
