Box Score

SCHENECTADY, NY -- Senior Lauren McCormick scored 16 points with seven rebounds and the Union College women's basketball team clinched a berth in next week's Liberty League Championship Tournament with a 57-40 victory over Clarkson University at the Viniar Athletic Center Friday night. The Dutchwomen improved to 8-4 in the league (14-7 overall), and clinched when Skidmore lost for the sixth time in league play with a home defeat to St. Lawrence. The Saints are also 8-4 and play at Union tomorrow while William Smith joins them atop the league at 8-4 heading into a home game vs. Vassar Saturday.

Lauren Pluchino led Clarkson with 16 points and Chrissy Scanlon had a game high nine rebounds for the Golden Knights (5-18 overall, 2-11 in the league).

The game had a "Think Pink Day" theme for the Kay Yow Fund for breast cancer research. The Dutchwomen wore pink uniforms and fans contributed a total of over $400 in donations.

Leah Pepe had 12 points for the Dutchwomen and Amy Loya pulled down eight rebounds. Mary Donohue dished out five assists. Union had a commanding 43-26 edge on the glass, including a 25-8 mark at halftime. The Dutchwomen shot 37% for the game while the Golden Knights shot 30%.

Union had a 29-15 lead at halftime. Clarkson got as close as six at 33-27 with 14:32 left on a three pointer by Pluchino. But Union went on a 8-1 run in the next 3:26 and led by as many as 19 at 51-32 with 5:27 left.

If Union defeats St. Lawrence tomorrow and William Smith loses to Vassar, the Dutchwomen would clinch the regular season title and would host next week's tournament. St. Lawrence downed Union at home earlier this season and the Dutchwomen have split against William Smith. St. Lawrence and William Smith also split their season series.

Union's 2 p.m .game vs. the Saints will feature a pre-game ceremony honoring seniors McCormick, Pepe and Lauren Hennessey.