Box Score

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (November 22, 2008) -- Although the Agnes Scott women's basketball team erased a 32-14 halftime deficit by going on a 20-2 run to start the second half, Smith College managed to regain an advantage and hold on for a 64-51 victory in Seven Sisters action on Saturday. Four Smith players scored in double figures, paced by a 14-point, 10-rebound effort from Meredith Murelli (Litchfield, CT/Litchfield).

The Pioneers improve to 2-1 and face Bryn Mawr in Sunday's Seven Sisters action at 12:00 p.m. The loss drops the Scotties to 2-1. Agnes Scott will play Wellesley on Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

Jennifer Russi (Lake Mary, FL/Father Lopez) ignited the Scotties comeback in the second half, netting a three-pointer just 30 seconds into the half. In the span of three minutes, Russi managed to singlehandedly get Agnes Scott back in the game, scoring 11 of the Scottie's first 13 points, on the strength of three three-pointers. Morgan Smith (Rochester, NY/Harley Allendale Columbia) chipped in with six straight points of her own to bring Agnes Scott within two, 34-32, with 15:39 to play. A lay-up by Kristen Davis (Memphis, TN/Gateway Christian) tied the game, and a Russi jumper gave the Scotties a lead.

It proved to be short-lived, however, as a lay-up and a foul shot from Murelli gave Smith back a lead it refused to relinquish. The Pioneers steadily rebuilt their lead, never letting the Scotties closer than four points in the last six minutes of the game. A lay-up by Anna Veltri (West Milford, CT/DePaul Catholic) gave Smith a 49-39 lead with 4:54 remaining, and the Pioneers managed to keep the double-digit lead for the rest of the game.

Veltri scored 12 points on the day, along with seven rebounds and five steals. Berit Schelde (Holsebro, Denmark/Falkonergaardens) added 12 points and four assists, while Jessica Welk (Arlington, WA/Arlington) chipped in with ten points. Courtney Parker (Ocean City, MD/Stephen Decatur) had a big day on the boards with 14, seven on the offensive end.

For the Scotties, Russi led the way with a game-high 17 points. Smith added a 15-point, 12-rebound double-double, and point guard Nikki Maples (Roswell, GA/Roswell) racked up eight assists.