Box Score The William Smith College basketball saw four players reach double digits in the scoring column, led by sophomore forward Chloe Hayter's double-double, but Vassar College defended its home court with an 80-70 Liberty League win. Junior Cydni Matsuoka scored a game-high 23 points and recorded five steals to pace the Brewers.
 
Hayter was 9-of-12 from the free throw line and recorded 21 points. She also grabbed a career-high 17 rebounds. Junior Erin O'Brien also enjoyed a strong night at the line, making 9-of-10 freebies on her way to 18 points and a team-high four assists. Senior Sydni Salvatore contributed 12 points and junior Sasha Borenstein notched 10 points, making three 3-pointers.
 
Matsuoka was 8-of-16 from the floor. Colleen O'Connell contributed 19 points, including 6-for-6 at the line, and a team-high 11 rebounds. Hannah Senftleber added 15 points, including a 7-of-8 showing from the charity stripe.
 
At the 16:42 mark of the second half, Hayter made a pair of free throws to give William Smith (13-8, 7-5) a 44-41 lead. Over the next nine minutes, Vassar (18-4, 10-3) outscored the Herons 21-7 to build a 64-51 lead. William Smith came roaring back over the final six minutes of the game. Senior Sarah O'Brien kick-started an ill-fated comeback bid with a layup. Following a trey by Salvatore with 1:18 remaining, the Brewers were clinging to a 73-70 lead.
 
Unfortunately, the Herons didn't score a single point in the final minute while Vassar converted 7-of-8 free throws. The Brewers enjoyed a decisive edge at the line, making 23-of-26 compared to 19-of-28 for the Herons. Vassar also controlled the boards, outrebounding William Smith 45-37.
 
The first half featured seven lead changes and five ties, including a 39-39 halftime score.  The Herons held the largest lead of the opening 20 minutes, 18-10, but the Brewers used a 10-2 run to keep the visitors from gaining the upper hand.
 
William Smith will be back in action on Saturday, Feb. 9, when the Herons visit Bard. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.