GENEVA, NY -- Marisa Vespa scored 30 points and made all 10 of her shots from the floor to lead #16 William Smith to a 76-59 Liberty League victory over Union Friday night. The Herons improved to 21-2 overall and 12-1 in the league, thus clinching the top seed to host next week's Liberty League Championship Tournament.
The Dutchwomen are now 13-10 overall, and with a 7-6 mark are tied with RPI for fourth in the league entering Saturday's final regular season games. The top four teams make the post-season tournament. RPI will play at William Smith while Union will play at Hamilton. Skidmore enters Saturday's play with a 6-7 league record and is also in contention.
Vespa also made all seven of her three point attempts, and both of her free throws, while adding five rebounds and four assists. Erin Cunningham added nine points and five boards and Latasha Coney pulled down seven boards for the Herons.
Union was led by Rachel Ormsby (Charlton, NY), who scored 12 points with four rebounds, while Michelle Rogers (Clarence, NY) and Maria Tobin (Schenectady, NY) each scored 10 points in the contest. The Dutchwomen shot 39% for the night while the Herons shot 47%, and the hosts had a 42-26 rebounding advantage. William Smith led 39-27 at the half and won despite posting 21 turnovers.
The Dutchwomen must win Saturday to clinch a Liberty League tournament bid. Should Union and RPI both lose and Skidmore wins Saturday, Skidmore will take the slot. That is the only scenario for Skidmore to reach the tourney. If the Dutchwomen and Red Hawks both win, RPI would win the tie-breaker.
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