Box Score GENEVA, N.Y.-- The University of Rochester Yellowjackets edged the William Smith College basketball team, 53-49, in a defensive struggle tonight. A strong performance from junior forward Leah Cornwell (Wheatland-Chili/Caledonia, N.Y.) wasn't enough to put the Herons on top.

Both teams traded leads in the first half, no team leading by more than four points. A Rochester three-pointer with three seconds on the clock erased a one-point Heron lead and the Yellowjackets took a 24-22 lead into the locker room.

More of the same in the second half, as Rochester held leads as large as five points, but couldn't put William Smith away. A 5-0 run on a three by Cornwell and a layup by sophomore forward Laura Hadwin (Vestal/Vestal, N.Y.) gave the Herons a 43-40 edge with six minutes to go. The Yellowjackets quickly regained the lead and opened up a 51-47 advantage with 19 remaining. A jumper by first-year forward Heather Easter (North Caroll/Hampstead, Md.) cut the lead to two, but it wasn't enough as Rochester held on for the 53-49 victory.

Cornwell led both teams with 20 points and 12 boards, while Hadwin finished with 13 points and nine rebounds. First-year Shannon Higgins and senior Jen Wafer each put up 12 points for the Yellowjackets (9-4). William Smith (7-4, 1-1) is back in action this weekend when UCAA rivals Skidmore and Union come to town Jan. 19-20.

--HWS SPORTS--