Box Score

GENEVA, NY (January 16, 2015) – Hosting William Smith College shot 46.2 percent on the contest, leading from start to finish to knock off the Vassar College women's basketball team 73-61 Friday evening in Liberty League action from Bristol Gym.

The Brewers (6-7, 1-3 Liberty League) trailed early, but tied the game at two after a jumper by Allyson Pemberton (Weston, MA/Weston) with 18:41 to go in the first half. The Herons (2-10, 1-3 Liberty) built their lead over the remainder of the first period, earning an eight point lead on three different occasions, the last coming at 30-22 after a three-pointer by Ali Pliszka.

Vassar College scored the final four points of the first half, and went into the break down 30-26, as Pemberton paced the Brewers with eight points at halftime. William Smith scored 20 of its 30 points in the paint in the opening period, while the Brewers outscored the Herons 9-0 in bench points.

After the intermission, VC netted the first points of the second half on a Caitlin Drakley (Woodbury, CT/Nonnewaug) jumper to bring the Brewers to within two, but that was as close as they would get. The Herons proceeded to go on a 7-0 run, and built their lead up to as much as 18 at 7:21 to go thanks to a lay-up by Melanie Patterson.

The host Herons would cling to at least a 12-point advantage for the rest of the contest, as WSC earned its first home win of the season. Drakeley registered a team-high 17 points for the Brewers, corralling seven rebounds as well. Junior Colleen O'Connell (Maywood, NJ/Immaculate Heart Academy) posted 13 points and seven boards, while Pemberton chalked up 12 points, four assists and four steals.

The Brewers fired 24-of-75 (32.0 percent) on the evening, making 3-of-11 (27.3 percent) from behind the arc. The Brewers were outrebounded by the Herons 41-39, but won the turnover battle on the night 23-14.

Sophomore guard Melanie Patterson led all scorers for WSC with 21 points, making 6-of-10 from the floor and 8-of-10 from the line. Gabrielle Eure added a double-double of 13 points and 14 caroms, while Pliszka finished with 19 points, six assists and a 6-for-6 ledger at the free-throw line. Chloe Hayter added 15 points as well for the Herons, who go all 73 points from their starters.

Vassar returns to action tomorrow afternoon at 2 p.m. at Rochester Institute of Technology in Liberty League action, while the Herons host Bard College Saturday at 2 p.m. from Bristol Gym.