The William Smith College basketball team will return to the court after a two-week layoff when it travels to Washington, D.C., for the Jamie L. Roberts Classic hosted by Catholic University. The Herons will face the host Cardinals at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19 and the Salisbury Sea Gulls the following day at 6 p.m.
 
Spectators are welcome at Franny Murray Court, but all fans, regardless of COVID vaccination status, are required to wear a properly fitting mask over their mouth and nose. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $3 for senior citizens (62 and older) and children (7-17). Kids under 7 years old are admitted free of charge. Catholic will provide live video and statistics on the tournament webpage.
 
William Smith is 2-3 this season, having last played on Dec. 4 at Vassar. The Herons are ranked in the top 10 in the nation in fewest turnovers (1st, 82), fewest fouls (4th, 66), free throw percentage (6th, .785), rebounds per game (7th, 51.0), and defensive rebounds per game (9th, 33.5).
 
The Herons feature three players averaging more than 15 points per game, led by forward Olivia Parisi's 18.6 ppg. She's fourth in the nation in free throw shooting (.952) and sixth in the Liberty League in rebounding (9.4 rpg). Guard Brooke Jarvis adds 15.8 ppg, 8.0 rpg and a team-high 1.8 spg. Forward Lauren DeVaney contributes 15.2 ppg and paces the team on the glass at 10.4 rpg.
 
Catholic is 7-1 and receiving votes in the D3hoops.com poll. The Cardinals are second in the nation in 3-point field goal defense (.165) and fourth in free throw percentage (.798). Guard Amanda Johnson leads a balanced scoring and rebounding effort with 9.8 ppg and 6.4 rpg.
 
The game will be just the second meeting between William Smith and Catholic. The Cardinals won the inaugural contest 68-59 in 2002.
 
Sailsbury is 8-2 and has won six in a row heading into Monday's showdown. Forward Kaylee Otlowski leads the Sea Gulls in scoring and rebounding, producing 14.4 ppg and 9.0 rpg.