Three-Point Records Fall In 79-69 Victory Over Penn St.-Abington

ABINGTON, Pa. – Sophomore Cassie Smythe (Eden, N.Y.) set the program record for three-point conversions in one game as the Wells College women's basketball team posted a 79-69 victory over the Nittany Lions of Penn St.-Abington Saturday afternoon. With the victory, the Express move to 6-9 overall on the year and to 5-2 within North Eastern Athletic Conference play. The loss drops the Nittany Lions to 7-8 overall on the year and to 5-3 within league play.

Smythe was 5-for-10 from three-point range, setting the all-time program record for most converted three-point baskets as well as the most attempted three-point baskets. In addition, freshman Holli Erkson (Cooperstown, N.Y.) poured home two shots from beyond the arc, contributing to a program record seven three-point baskets in the game.

Cumulatively in the game, junior Ashley Roser (Taberg, N.Y.) led the way with her 49th career double-double in 59 career games, tallying 26 total points and 21 rebounds. Her 12 successful field goals tie her for the program record in that category while her 21 rebounds tie her for fifth all-time in single game history. Both Erkson and Smythe tallied 17 points for the Express, with Smythe's five three-pointers accounting for the majority of her damage in the game.

The Express never trailed in the first half, opening up an 12 point lead following a Smythe three-pointer with 14:17 remaining in the first to bring the score to 15-3. However, the Nittany Lions proved relentless down the stretch, cutting the deficit to only three points following a Trish Watson layup with only 48 seconds remaining in the first half. Smythe attempted to reestablish the lead in the waning seconds, pouring home a three-point basket to open up a six point cushion. A Kristen Ryan (Syracuse, N.Y.) foul with one second left sent Watson to the line where she converted both foul shots to cut the halftime lead to four for the Express.

Despite a 57-51 lead near the midpoint of the second half, back-to-back three-point baskets by Watson tied the score at 57 with only 9:27 remaining in the second stanza. From there, Jessica Schmidt was fouled by Lindsay Achzet (Johnstown, N.Y.) on a layup to extend the home team lead to three points with 8:52 remaining. The Express, however, were able to reestablish a large lead down the stretch to secure the victory.

Four players for Penn St.-Abington reached double-digits, including Watson who led the way with 21 points for the Nittany Lions. Janay Winston posted a double-double for the Nittany Lions, scooping up 11 boards while notching 10 of her team's 69 points. Watson also notched 10 assists to her credit.

The Express return to action Sunday, Jan. 20 as they face-off against the Phoenix of Wilson College in a 12:00 p.m. road contest. Stay up to date with the latest news directly from the Wells College athletic department by "liking" us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/WellsExpress) and subscribing to our Twitter account (http://www.twitter.com/WellsExpress).