Ephs win third straight with 64-57 victory over Springfield

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. - Sophomore Micah Walton and junior Kathleen Smith of the Williams College women's basketball team combined for 39 points and 15 rebounds during a 64-57 triumph against Springfield Tuesday at Chandler Gymnasium.

The Ephs (3-2), who have won three consecutive games, also received a superb effort by first-year Evelyn Walcott off the bench, as she finished with career highs of 12 rebounds and seven points. Walton shot 10 of 18 from the field and Smith finished 7 of 10, while senior captain Logan Coster recorded eight points and seven boards.

The Pride (4-3) received a balanced attack from Natalie Lucas (11 points, 7 rebounds), Amanda Leary (13 points), Carrie Hess (13 points) and Claire Finney (11 points).

Springfield raced out a 10-2 lead, but Williams responded with an 11-2 surge, as back-to-back made baskets by Coster gave the unit a 13-12 advantage with 1:08 remaining in the first quarter. A second-chance score by Walcott and a jumper by Walton in the final 30 seconds of the half trimmed the visitors' lead to 34-30 at intermission.

An old-fashioned, 3-point play by Walton with 2:38 left in the third capped a 7-0 run and gave the Ephs a 45-42 advantage. Williams took a four-point lead into the fourth and never allowed Springfield to get closer in the final 10 minutes, as a jumper by Walton pushed the lead into double figures at 62-51 with 1:14 on the clock.

Williams shot 44.8% from the field (26 for 58) and limited Springfield to 35.4% shooting from the field (23 for 65) and 16.7% from beyond the 3-point line (3 for 18). The hosts held a 44-33 advantage on the glass.

The Ephs will compete against Wesleyan in a non-conference game Sunday at 3 p.m. in Chandler Gymnasium.