ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N.Y.—The William Smith College basketball team cruised to a 78-33 win at Bard College in the Liberty League opener for both teams. Senior Melanie Patterson led the Herons with a season-high 23 points.
 
Patterson was a perfect 8-for-8 from the field, including 4-for-4 from 3-point range. She's the first Heron to have a 1.000 shooting percentage with at least eight shot attempts since Marisa Vespa went 10-for-10 against Union on Feb. 22, 2008. Sophomore guard Natalia Baum added 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting from the field. Sophomore guard Olivia Hughes added six points, a team-high six rebounds, and a game-high four assists. Hughes, Baum, and sophomore forward Adrianne Torea shared game-high honors with three steals apiece.
 
Alexis Akingbade had 14 points and a game-high 13 rebounds for the Raptors. Teammate Caleigh DeCaprio added 10 points.
 
Akingbade gave the Raptors their lone lead of the game, 8-7, with a short jumper in the lane near the five-minute mark of the first quarter. The Herons reclaimed the lead for good with a 12-2 run to end the frame. Senior guard Melanie Patterson keyed the run with five consecutive points, including an old-fashion 3-point play.
 
William Smith dominated the second quarter, outscoring Bard 22-3. The Herons forced nine Raptor turnovers in the quarter, while harassing the home team shooters into an 0-for-9 effort from the field. William Smith scored the first nine points of the frame, opening up an 18-point lead.
 
Patterson led all scorers at the break with 11 points.
 
Bard's field goal drought lasted more than 17 minutes and saw the Herons outscore the Raptors 34-3.
 
William Smith continues Liberty League play on Saturday, Jan. 7, when the Herons visit Vassar College. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.