W. Cagers Pioneer a Laugher, 106-34

To call it a blow-out would be an understatement. The Harvard women's basketball team and Smith College's squad were about as balanced as Reagan's budget.

Sometimes, no words can present the full picture of a game. Sometimes, only the score can: Harvard 106, Smith 34. Blow-out, mismatch, one-sided, keep searching...

The Crimson's dominance over the Pioneers is well-documented. Harvard has overwhelmed Smith all four times the two teams have met, including last year's pounding, 95-50. Last night at Briggs Cage, Harvard (2-1) picked up where it left-off and then left Smith (0-1) for dead. The 106 points scored is a new Crimson record.

The game did more than give the Crimson several new team records. It also provided a chance for everyone on the team to play and develop their game.

"It was nice that everybody had a chance to play," senior Hanya Bluestone said. "Everybody contributed significantly."

This included the freshmen trio of Heather Harris, Maura Healey and Liz Resnick, who saw their first extensive action of the season. They combined for eight points and seven assists.

"I'm very happy with the freshmen," said Coach Kathy Delaney Smith. "Harris was exceptional...very poised. She created a lot that doesn't show in the numbers."

Delaney Smith also noted the outstanding outside shooting of sophomore Dina Hadrick: "Dina was as solid as a rock."

While the Crimson will continue to look to its younger players to add offensive firepower, this night, at least the first half, belonged to the veterans.

Co-Captain Sarah Duncan and junior Heidi Kosh dominated the court. Duncan's 16 points in the first half paced Harvard's offense, and Kosh's scoring (a game-high 22 points), combined with her defense (seven steals in 20 minutes) and passing (six assists), propelled Harvard to its largest margin of victory ever. The previous high was 65 points, set during the 1974-75 season against Newton College, 72-7.

Harvard established its dominance, quickly and dramatically. Eight seconds into game, Duncan scored. The team soon followed with 12 straight points. Harvard led by 36 points (50-14) at the half.

"We got some nice stuff early and that set the mental tone," Delaney Smith said.

"We're starting to see our potential," Harris said. "Now we have a lot of confidence in ourselves."

The Crimson, despite its offensive onslaught (51 percent from the field), missed several easy shots. Turnovers, a major concern of Delaney Smith, was not a problem last night.

"I'm trying to get the team to react to a change of possession," Delaney Smith said. "We're trying to stay under 20 turnovers. I'm happy with the 17 tonight. Fifteen is our target number."

The Crimson can put the blow-out in a proper perspective. Smith is a Division III team which graduated its four top players. No grand illusions cloud the Crimson's thoughts.

"This year [Smith Coach James Babyak] has a young team," Delaney Smith said. "The team doesn't have a lot of height."

"Smith has always been a well-coached, hard working team," she added, "and he's an excellent coach."

Delaney Smith also indicated that the teams will probably not face each other next season.

THE NOTEBOOK: Harvard shattered several team records last night. In addition to breaking the team record for points in a game and margin of victory, the Crimson also set team records of field goals attempted (97) in a game and most attempts made (50) in a game...Harvard outrebounded Smith, 66-20.

Crimson, 106-34 at Briggs Cage Smith  14-20--34 Harvard  50-56--106

Smith (34): Missy Petcen 0-0--0; Jennifer Ramsey 2-3--7; Nancy Satchwill 1-1--3; Betsy Herrmann 1-6--8; Ann Gervasio 1-0--2; Mary Jane Favazza 2-1--5; Michelle Pashko 0-0--0; Holly Jones 0-1--1; Cassie Frank 0-0--0; Diana Hay 0-0--0; Mary Cox 1-0--2.

Totals: 11-43 11-19 34.

HARVARD (106): Sarah Duncan 9-2--20; Jen Mazanec 3-0--6; Beth Chandler 5-2--12; Hanya Bluestone 4-0--8; Heidi Kosh 11-0--22; Beth Wambach 4-0--8; Dina Hadrick 3-0--6; Jody Fink 5-0--10; Sandra Springer 3-0--6; Heather Harris 3-0--6; Maura Healey 0-2--2; Liz Resnick 0-0--0.

Totals: 50-97 6-9 106.

Three-pointers: Favazza. Fouled out: none. Total fouls: Harvard 15, Smith 4. Technical Fouls: Smith Coach Babyak. Rebounds: Harvard 66 (Duncan 11), Smith 20 (Herrmann 4). Assists: Harvard 27 (Kosh 6), Smith 5 (Satchwill, Gervasio, Pashko, Frank, Cox). Blocked Shots: Harvard 5 (Duncan, Mazanec, Chandler, Springer, Resnick), Smith 1 (Babyak). Turnovers: Harvard 17, Smith 24. A: 50.