Northampton, Mass. - Host Smith edged visiting Clark, 61-60, in what could have been the most thrilling game for Smith this season.

The Pioneers are now 12-8 on the season (9-6 in NEWMAC), while Clark drops to 4-18 (3-12 in NEWMAC).

In their last meeting earlier this year, Smith dominated Clark 74-57. However, 1 point was the margin of victory this evening, as both teams fought hard until, literally, the very last second.

The Pioneers looked to be in control early in the first half, as they outscored Clark 10 points to 2 to start the game. At halftime, Smith had a comfortable 10 point lead. However, the Cougars came roaring back in the 2nd period, starting the half with six unanswered points to move to within 4 points of the leading Pioneers.

Smith and Clark traded points until late in the period, when the two teams were tied at 55 points apiece.

With less than a minute remaining in the contest, Clark had the chance to take the lead for the first time in the game, but missed the first of a set of 1 and 1 free throws. The Pioneers continued to push forward, and stretched their lead from one-point to three on a pair of crucial free throws by junior Anna Veltri (W. Milford, NJ).

After receiving the inbound pass, Clark raced down the court to sink a quick jumper, pulling again to only one-point behind Smith with only 4 seconds remaining in regulation.

Clark looked to force a turnover on the next inbound pass from Smith. For a moment, it looked as if they had succeeded, but the Cougars were not able to establish possession fast enough, as time expired with the ball still being jostled between teams.

As if the victory were not exciting enough, a Smith player made Pioneer history tonight. Berit Schelde (Holstebro, DENMARK) joined the prestigious 1,000 point club this evening, making her only the 9th Pioneer basketball player to do so.

The "Danish Legend", as some of her fans call her, opened the game shooting 3 for 3, accounting for 8 of the first 10 Pioneer points. The magical moment came just before the 4:00 minute mark of the first half off a pass from teammate Elizabeth BelBruno (Hanover, NH). Fans held their breath as Schelde put up a 10 foot jumper from the left wing, then erupted in applause as the ball banked off the backboard and through the net.

On this memorable day, the senior guard had 17 points and a rebound. Over her four year career at Smith, Schelde has racked up an impressive 272 rebounds, 33 blocks, and 85 steals to go with her 1,005 points.

Other leaders for Smith tonight were Ashani Petrizzi (Deerfield, MA) with 10 points and 3 rebounds, and Daron Dean (Brush Prairie, WA) with 8 points and 7 rebounds.

For the Cougars, Kate Minister (Manchester, England) had 14 points and 2 rebounds, while Nikwa James (The Bronx, N.Y.) and Kelsey Giedymin (Shrewsbury, Mass.) contributed 10 points and six rebounds each.

Smith will take on Wheaton College this Saturday, while the Cougars will visit Springfield.