Ward, Hamilton College hitting stride

CLINTON, N.Y. ? Fairfield High School graduate Serena Ward, a college freshman, scored nine points off the bench to help Hamilton College dominate Wells College 79-35 in a non-conference game Jan. 9.

The 44-point win was the largest margin of victory for Hamilton (6-6 overall) since a 93-48 triumph over Cazenovia College on Nov. 18, 2008.

After trading baskets to open the first half, Hamilton exploded for a 16-0 run and never looked back. Dani Feigin and Madie Harlem nailed 3-pointers to begin the spurt and Elize Howe scored eight straight to give Hamilton an 18-3 lead.

Hamilton led 20-7 when the Continentals ran off 12 straight points for a 32-7 advantage with 7:01 to go in the half. Harlem converted a layup to begin the run, Ward followed with seven consecutive points and Carly Gruenberg completed a 3-point play.

Hamilton shot 48.5 percent (33-68) for the game compared to 28.6 percent (12-42) for Wells. The Continentals controlled the glass, 42-23, and grabbed 17 offensive boards. The Express committed 28 turnovers, which led to 41 points for Hamilton.