January 22, 2005

Marisa Vespa (photo by K. Colton/SportsPics.net)

GENEVA, N.Y.—The William Smith basketball team claimed first place in the Liberty League with a 73-59 win over Union College this afternoon in Bristol Gym. The Herons were led by the double-double effort of first-year guard Marisa Vespa (Immaculate Heart/Watertown, N.Y.), who recorded 12 points and 10 assists.

Trailing by five, 12-7, early in the first half, the Herons (9-4, 4-0 Liberty) used a 16-0 to take control of the contest. The Dutchwomen (10-4, 4-1) crept back within nine, but William Smith closed out the half with a 15-4 run to take a 39-19 lead into the locker room.

Under a relentless pressure from the Heron defense, Union shot just 18.2 percent from the floor during the first 20 minutes (4-of-22). William Smith also forced 16 turnovers by the Dutchwomen.

While Union improved its shooting after the break (.438) and took better care of the basketball (just three turnovers), but the Herons never let the lead dip below 11.

First-year forward Stephanie Czajkowski (Bishop Ludden/Syracuse, N.Y.) also scored 12 for the Herons, including eight in the first half, while senior guard Tara Brisson (Bishop Grimes/Liverpool, N.Y.) also recorded double digits with 11 points.

Junior forward Courtney Shepard (Pittsfield/Pittsfield, Mass.) led Union with a game-high 17 points, while junior guard Erica Eisenhut (Mohawk/Mohawk, N.Y.) and sophomore forward Krystal Hammond (Shenendehowa/Clifton Park, N.Y.) contributed 14 and 11 points, respectively.

William Smith shot 50 percent from the floor (30-of-60) for the game to earn its sixth consecutive win.

The Herons are back in action at 7 p.m., on Jan. 25, when they host Hamilton College.

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