Allie Rooney ’16
Sports Editor
The Smith basketball team ended their season this past Saturday, Feb. 21 on a three-game winning streak. They were able to put away NEWMAC opponent Clark University by a 68-44 margin on Monday, and pulled off a win on senior day against Worcester Polytechnic Institute. The senior day win marked the last home game of the Pioneers’ season and the last time senior co-captains Alyssa Barrett and Lauren Weston will play in Ainsworth Gymnasium. Weston scored eight points and pulled down a career-high 10 rebounds, while Barrett knocked down a three-pointer to lead the Pioneers to a 45-40 comeback in front of a very enthusiastic crowd.
Meghan Holland ’18 led the Pioneers with nine points that night, and classmate Samantha Alakai ’18 chipped in eight points. Barrett and Weston were honored before the game with speeches and flowers from their coaches, who were accompanied by their parents. They were praised for their determination throughout the season, despite coming up a bit short of qualifying for post-season play. The Pioneers needed Emerson College to fall to Clark University this past weekend in order for them to secure a spot in the NEWMAC playoffs. However, Emerson came away with the win and consequently the final playoff spot. The Pioneers finished last season as NEWMAC runner-ups and ECAC runner-ups.
This season, the Pioneers had a roster of eight first years, three sophomores, two juniors and two seniors. Despite being a relatively young team, the Pioneers were looking to get back to that championship game. “This season has really seen totally new challenges and opportunities than any I’ve experienced before,” Weston said.
Although the Pioneers weren’t able to get back to the championship game, they ended the season on a very positive note. “We were able to go out on a nice three game winning streak, playing our best team basketball together, and there’s nothing better than that,” Weston said.
The Pioneers finished their season with a few first-years leading the team in season statistics. Samantha Alakai finished the season averaging 12.2 points per game, leading the Pioneers’ offense. Classmates Paige Marquez and Meghan Holland finished with 8.5 and 7.6 points, respectively. Barrett ’15 led the Pioneers with 37 made three-pointers this season.
