Cougars Reach First NEWMAC Final in 20 Years
Clark women’s basketball team powered its way to the NEWMAC finals before falling to Smith College, 72-65. It was Clark’s first appearance in the conference title game since 2005. Coach Bridgette Reyes’ squad finished the season with a 19-9 record.
The Cougars reached the NEWMAC Tournament for the 18th time and won their first tournament game since 2017 with a decisive victory over WPI in the quarterfinals, earning them their eighth semifinal appearance in program history. Clark advanced to the final with a 68-51 victory against Babson.
Against No. 1-ranked Smith (27-1), Clark led going into the fourth quarter, but the Bears rallied for the victory.
Despite the loss, Clark players put forth a tremendous effort. Among the impressive numbers:
- Clark made 22 shots, hit 10 three-pointers, grabbed 26 rebounds, dished out seven assists, and forced 18 turnovers.
- Atiya Watson ’29 netted a career-high 24 points with seven made shots, connected on seven free throws, and hit three triples.
- Kailey Rios ’27 added 11 points, made three 3-pointers, and tallied three steals.
- Emma Drefs ’27 also reached double figures with 10 points and a pair of threes.
The men’s team (12-13) also earned a berth in the NEWMAC tournament before losing a hard-fought quarterfinal battle to Salve Regina, 67-61.
