By MacKenzie Tuttle, Digital Content Supervisor

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Nia Smith scored a team-high 16 points, but the Berry College women's basketball team fell to Alverno, 65-55, on Thursday afternoon in the D3 St. Pete Classic.

Smith's 16 points led the Vikings offense, with Casey Brooks and McKenzie Smith each adding eight points a piece as well. Defensively, McKenzie Smith grabbed 10 rebounds to lead Berry. Ashley McKee added to the defensive effort as well, finishing with five steals in the outing.

Berry shot 29.7-percent (19-for-64) on the night, while Alverno shot 37-percent (20-for-54). The Vikings also finished with 44 rebounds and six assists.

BERRY STANDOUTS:

• Nia Smith: 16 PTS, 4-for-10 FG, 8-for-11 3PT, 7 REB, 3 AST, 3 STL

• McKenzie Smith: 8 PTS, 4-for-8 FG, 10 REB

• Brooks: 8 PTS, 3-for-7 FG, 2-for-2 FT, 3 REB, STL

ALVERNO STANDOUTS:

• Karli Sealer: 22 PTS, 5-for-12 FG, 11-for-14 FT, 5 REB

• Mackenzie Mathies: 17 PTS, 6-for-13 FG, 3-for-5 3PT, 5 REB

• Gabby Hood: 16 PTS, 7-for-13 FG, 1-for-2 3PT, 4 REB

NOTABLES:

• With the loss, Berry falls to 5-5 on the year.

• Alverno improves to 4-6.

UP NEXT:

Berry will travel to Atlanta to take on Emory University in their next game on Saturday, Dec. 30 at 6:00 p.m.