SCHENECTADY, N.Y.—The William Smith College basketball team doubled up Union College in the fourth quarter to post a 55-47 Liberty League victory in Viniar Gymnasium tonight. The Herons improved to 8-4 overall and 4-1 in conference play while the Dutchwomen slipped to 4-7, 1-4.
 
A defensive struggle, the teams entered the final 10 minutes tied at 39. Union claimed the lead on a free throw, but William Smith took the lead for good with a 13-4 run. The Herons were 5-of-6 from the floor with senior Annaliese Schreder hit a key 3-pointer during the surge, pushing the lead to 48-44 with three minutes to go. William Smith went 3-for-6 from the free throw line to close out the win.
 
The Herons shot just 31.3% from the floor, but made six 3-pointers. William Smith won the battle for the boards, outrebounding Union 47-42. The Herons also finished on the plus side in turnover margin at +5.
 
Junior Stavriana Dimitrakopoulou led William Smith with a game-high 16 points and six rebounds. Sophomore Olivia Parisi added 13 points, six boards and a game-high four assists. First-year Lauren DeVaney posted eight points, eight rebounds and a team-high two blocked shots.
 
The Dutchwomen shot 32.7% from the floor, but went 2-of-15 from beyond the arc. Anna Metcalf scored a team-high 14 points. Elly Vaughan logged nine points, a game-high 10 points and a game-high four blocked shots.
 
A close game from start to finish, William Smith built the largest lead either side enjoyed, taking a 14-5 first quarter lead on a jumper by sophomore Stella Davis. The Herons closed the first quarter with a 14-11 lead. Union fought back to take a 23-21 halftime lead.
 
William Smith will return to Bristol Gym to host an opponent for the first time since Dec. 11, when the Herons welcome Vassar on Friday, Jan. 17. Tipoff is at 5:30 p.m.