Ashley Rodger '07 scored 14 point and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead William Smith past Buffalo State. (Photo by k. colton/ SportsPics.net)

January 13, 2004

GENEVA, N.Y.—William Smith first-year Ashley Rodger (Waterloo/Waterloo, N.Y.) scored a team-high 14 points and grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds to lead the Herons to a dominating 65-33 victory over Buffalo State in Bristol Gym this evening.

William Smith (5-4) set the tone early with a swarming defensive effort that forced the Bengals (4-7) into 22 turnovers and a dismal 20.6 percent shooting effort (13-of-63). Buffalo State senior forward Monique Hanks (Liverpool/Liverpool, N.Y.) converted a jumper with 17:28 remaining in the opening half to give the Bengals a 4-3 lead, their final advantage of the evening. Hanks finished with a team-high 14 points and seven rebounds.

Over the next 10 minutes and 51 seconds, the visitors missed all 11 shots they attempted and committed eight turnovers, and William Smith took advantage. The Herons outscored their guests 25-3 during the shooting draught.

William Smith shot 42.9 percent from the floor in the opening stanza, taking a 39-15 lead into the locker room at the break. Meanwhile, Buffalo State converted just 5-of-23 (21.7%) in the first half, and actually shot worse after the intermission (8-of-40, 20.0%).

Led by Rodger, the Herons absolutely dominated the boards, pulling down 57 misfires to the Bengals 37. All 10 William Smith cagers in uniform—three were sidelined due to illness—grabbed at least three rebounds. Junior guard Tara Brisson (Bishop Grimes/Liverpool, N.Y.) collected a career-high nine caroms to go with eight points.

Senior guard Stephanie Leveille (Ossining/Ossining, N.Y.) enjoyed a solid all-around performance on the night, scoring 10 points, grabbing three rebounds, handing out four assists and recording four steals.

William Smith opens its Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association schedule on Jan. 16, when the Herons visit Vassar. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Back to William Smith Basketball