GENEVA, NY -- William Smith came back from a six point deficit in the final 4:14 to pull out a 76-73 Liberty League women's basketball win over Union Saturday afternoon. It was the first league loss of the season for the Dutchwomen (4-1), who now are 10-4 overall. The Herons improved to 3-2 in the league and 9-7 overall.

Ashlinn Barber scored a game high 29 points for the Herons, making 10 of 13 free throws. Kristen Kush scored 14 and Erin Cunningham added 10 for the Herons. 

Union was led by Lauren McCormick, who had 18 points, and Rachel Scott, who scored 17. Selin Whitham added 14 points and four assists.

With 2:39 left, Barber made a layup to pull the Herons to within one at 67-66, and blocked a shot with 2:04 left. She followed that up with a layup at 1:49 for a 68-67 home lead. Later, McCormick had a layup and free throw with 51 seconds left to give Union a 71-70 lead, but Barber made two free throws for a 72-71 WS lead with 31 seconds remaining. She then stole the ball from a Union player with 17 seconds left, and made both free throw shots with 16 seconds remaining and it was 74-71. 

After a foul, Whitham made both free throws for Union to pull Union to within one with 12 seconds left at 74-73. But Paige Myers made thwo free throws with 11 left and the lead was back to three (76-73). A three point attempt by Maria Tobin with five seconds left did not convert and the Herons got the defensive board to end the game.

Union made 13 of 14 free throws and the Herons made 21 of 26 from the charity stripe. The Herons shot 41% for the game while the Dutchwomen shot 43%, and the hosts had a slight 38-35 rebounding advantage. 

Union will make up a non-league game at Nichols Tuesday night, then will return to Liberty League action next weekend with home games against Vassar Friday night (7 p.m.) and RPI Saturday afternoon (4 p.m.).

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