Stephanie Czajkowski

Latasha Coney

January 13, 2007

GENEVA, N.Y.—The William Smith College basketball program earned its 500th win this afternoon, dominating Clarkson University 65-53 in a Liberty League contest in Bristol Gym. Junior forward Stephanie Czajkowski (Bishop Ludden/Syracuse, N.Y.) paced the Herons with 18 points and 12 rebounds, both game-highs.

In 36 varsity seasons, William Smith has posted an all-time record of 500-260, for a winning percentage of .658. The Herons played their first varsity season in 1971-72, registering a 7-1 record.

William Smith (7-5, 1-1 Liberty) had a relatively easy time picking up No. 500, leading from start to finish. The Herons charged out to a 12-2 lead and ended the half on an 11-1 run to carry a 38-21 advantage into the locker room. Thirteen of William Smith’s 15 first half field goals came in the paint, led by the 7-of-9 shooting of Czajkowski. She finished the day 8-of-12.

After the intermission, the Herons stretched their lead to as many as 26 before the Golden Knights (4-9, 0-2) mustered an 18-4 run against William Smith’s bench to end the game, making the final outcome appear much closer than it actually was.

William Smith shot 44.3 percent from the floor in the contest, while limiting Clarkson to just 31.7 percent, including just 6-of-24 in the first half. The Herons also controlled the glass, outrebounding the Knights 45-33.

Sophomore guard Latasha Coney (Lyons/Lyons, N.Y.) added 12 points and nine rebounds for William Smith, while first-year forward Erin Cunningham (Morris Knolls/Rockaway, N.J.) chipped in 12 points as well. First-year reserve forward Robyn Copoto (Liverpool/Liverpool, N.Y.) single-handedly outscored the Clarkson bench (6 pts) with eight second-half points on 4-of-6 shooting.

Clarkson also had three players hit double digits, led by sophomore guard Monica Thomas’ (Sandwich/Sandwich, Mass.) 14 points. Senior guard Vanessa Westcott (APW/Parish, N.Y.) and senior forward Mickala Henson (Waverly/Waverly, N.Y.) contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively.

William Smith is back in action on Jan. 19, when the Herons travel to Skidmore. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.

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