Springfield, Mass. — November 23, 2010 — The Williams College women’s basketball team, propelled by a 17-0 run to start the game, defeated Springfield College, 73-42, tonight in a non-conference contest at SC’s Blake Arena. The Ephs were led by Taylor Shea’s 17 points, while the Pride were led by Meghan Biondolillo‘s nine.

With the win, Williams raises its record to 3-0. Springfield, meanwhile, falls to 0-4.

In the first half, Williams used that 17-0 run at the start to take command of the game.

Shea, a senior guard/forward from Allendale, N.J., scored a game-high 17 points on 8-of-12 shooting from the floor. She also had seven rebounds and three steals in just 24 minutes. Others who contributed heavily for the Ephs included senior forward Chessie Jackson (Goleta, Calif.) with 16 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks in 26 minutes, and junior guard Jill Greenberg (Westwood, Mass.) with 15 points, six assists, and four steals in 22 minutes of play.

For Springfield, with points coming at a premium, Biondolillo, a sophomore guard from Levittown, N.Y., led with her nine points. She also had five rebounds in 23 minutes. Three others scored six points. They included junior forward Kelly Slattery (Somers, Conn.), junior guard Kelly Murphy (Mechanicville, N.Y.), and reserve guard Jocelyn Ford-Baker (Springfield, Mass.)

Springfield did not score until substitute sophomore guard Colleen Dignum (Albany, N.Y.) hit a three-pointer from the corner with 11:15 remaining in the first half.

First half statistics reflected Williams’ dominance. While the Ephs only shot .364 (12-for-33) from the floor, Springfield could manage only a .172 percentage (5-for-29) from the field. The Pride shot slightly better from three-point range (.231), while Williams shot .333. Williams caused 12 turnovers, while Springfield was able to create only five. The Pride actually outrebounded the Ephs, 24-22, in those first 20 minutes.

For the game, Williams shot .433 from the field (29-for-67), including .500 in the second half alone (17-for-34). Springfield wound up shooting .226 from the field (14-for-62). Williams outrebounded the Pride, 47-41. Springfield had 20 turnovers, while Williams finished with 16.

Williams’ largest lead was the final margin of 31. Sophomore guard Stephanie Browne (Voorhees, N.J.) hit a three-pointer with five seconds left in the game to provide that margin.

Springfield will return from Thanksgiving break to open up New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) play on Wednesday, Dec. 1 when it travels to square off against Mount Holyoke. Game time is set for 7:00 pm.