Observer-Reporter

Sophomore guard Stephanie Smith set a Washington & Jefferson College women's basketball record with eight three-point field goals during the Presidents' 86-76 win over Moravian in the ECAC Southern Region tournament Wednesday night at the Henry Memorial Center.

W&J (21-7), the tournament's No. 4 seed, made 10-of-14 three-pointers, including 8-of-12 by Smith. Former Presidents Leigh Sulkowski and Kelley Ryan each held the previous record with seven three-pointers.

The Presidents shot a blistering 68 percent (17-for-25) from the field in the first half and led 44-39 at halftime. W&J maintained the lead until Jessica Foran's layup with 6:50 remaining gave Moravian a 61-60 edge. However, Smith again had the answer with a three-pointer on the next W&J possession and the Presidents led the rest of the way.

A jumper by Emily Hays with 1:20 remaining gave W&J a 76-70 lead and the Presidents were 10-for-10 at the free-throw line in the final 55 seconds to seal the victory.

Smith finished with a career-high 24 points, and Hays and Maggie Gibson followed with 14 each. Gibson had her 12th double-double of the season by pulling down 10 rebounds.

Kennan Killeen had a big game for W&J with 13 points, seven assists and six rebounds. W&J won despite committing 23 turnovers.

Amanda Brown led Moravian (16-11) with 20 points.

Washington & Jefferson advances to the semifinals for the third time in five seasons. The Presidents will take on the winner of the game between No. 1 seed Gwynedd-Mercy and No.8 Lake Erie on Saturday afternoon. The highest remaining seed among the final four teams will host the game.

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