Bobcats Pick Up First Win as "Cherry Bomb" Explodes on the Boards

Randolph, VT ~ The Paul Smith's College women's basketball team won their first game of the season last Wednesday, traveling across Lake Champlain to pick up a 53-49 victory at Yankee Small College Conference (YSCC) opponent Vermont State University at Randolph.

The game, which was the first for senior forward Alli Cherry, was a nailbiter all the way to the end.  Cherry, who hadn't played a basketball game in seven years, dominated on the boards and hauled in a game-leading 14 rebounds in the winning effort. 

"My nerves were high when coach said I would be starting.  As the game went on, I was able to calm down because of the support and trust of my teammates and coaches," said Cherry.  She was able to settle in nicely throughout the game and grabbed seven offensive and seven defensive rebounds for 14 total.  With 11 seconds left in the game and the Bobcats up by three, Cherry pulled down her final rebound and then earned a subsequent foul.  After missing the first free throw she took a deep breath, bared down, and scored her first point of her collegiate career while also putting the game out of reach.

Cherry, who also plays on and captains the women's hockey team, spoke about how her time on the ice made her better equipped on the court.  "I translated my hockey mindset of defense into the game with hustle and rebounds so my teammates could have scoring opportunities," she added.

One of those teammates who had plenty of opportunities to score was junior guard Hayleigh Gates.  Gates led all players in the game in points with an impressive 26, shooting 45% from the field and draining five three-pointers.  She also picked up nine rebounds in the win. 

Head coach Brad Rideout was pleased with the bounce back win in Vermont after dropping the first two games of the year in Maine the weekend prior.  "Solid win for the girls coming off a tough weekend losing two in Maine.  They did the things they needed to do to win the game," said Rideout.

Multiple Bobcats contributed on the scoresheet, as Abbey Bateman (13 points), Finnley Jacobson (7 points), and Delaney Curley (6 points) played almost the entire game as Paul Smith's College played the game with a very short bench. 

Rideout then talked about the importance of Cherry coming over to help out the team.  "Alli definitely, without question, stepped up on not just the glass, but on both ends of the floor.  She gave us a four-point lead and clinched the win with a free throw with under 20 seconds left in the game.  Stepping in for the program has been a blessing," said Rideout.

The Bobcats finish the semester at 1-3 as they get key player Jordan Louis back from injury for the second semester as they look to build upon their YSCC Final Four appearance last year.  You can follow the women's basketball team on Instagram at @pscwomensbasketball or follow the general athletics account at @smitty_nation for schedules, scores, updates, and more!

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At Paul Smith's College, it's about the experience. As the only four-year institution of higher education located in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, Paul Smith's provides real-world, hands-on learning in fields such as business and hospitality, culinary management, forestry, environmental sciences, and natural resources. We can draw on industries and resources available in our backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. Our community of resourceful, enterprising, supportive, and adventurous individuals collectively provides experiential education, student support in the classroom and beyond, and meaningful opportunities for our alumni. We pride ourselves on research and advocacy on issues that improve our planet and the lives of the people who inhabit it. Learn more at www.paulsmiths.edu.