BOSTON, Mass - Women's Basketball played a close game, but were unable to hold off the Smith offense, as the Pioneers won 56-49. With the loss the Lions drop to 10-13 overall, and 5-9 in conference play. Smith is now 9-14 overall and rise to 5-9 in the NEWMAC.

The game opened with a layup and jumper by Paige Marquez to give Smith the early lead. Emerson responded with a 3 pointer by Elizabeth Horan to put the Lions on the board. Both teams traded points, keeping the score within one or two. With 30 seconds left in the opening quarter, Charlie Boyle made a layup to give the Lions the first lead of the game, 12-10.

The second quarter followed a similar flow, with the Pioneers tieing it up only 10 seconds into the second quarter thanks to two made free throws by Tia Karapoulios. Smith was then able to retake the lead, but with the Lions right behind them. Both teams entered halftime with the score at 28-23, Pioneers.

The second half saw the Lions quickly tie the score at 28-28, thanks again to a 3 pointer from Horan, followed by a jumper from Kelsey Johnson. But again Smith was able to quickly retake the lead and pulled ahead by 6 going into the fourth quarter, 40-34.

Despite the Lions best effort, they were unable to retake the lead, as the Pioneers closed it out 56-49.

Stat leaders for Smith include Kennedy Guest-Pritchett with 11 points and 8 rebounds. Right behind her was Karapoulios with 10 points and 5 rebounds. Samantha Alakai played a great defensive game with 8 total rebound.

Leading for the Lions was Maya Savino and Boyle with 10 points each and a combined 7 rebounds. Leading in rebounds was Sierra Ducey with 9 total, she also had 2 blocked shots and 6 points. Kelsey Johnson had 3 blocked shots, and also put up 6 points for the Lions.

Next up for Smith is a road game against Wellesley College on February 17th at 7:00pm. The Lions return to action on the 17th as well when they travel across the river to MIT for a 7:00pm tip off.