William Smith basketball struggles to keep pace with Union in conference loss

William Smith basketball dropped a Liberty League contest to Union Garnet Chargers by a 77-45 margin on Friday evening at Bristol Gym.

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Junior guard Giana Lobozzo led the Herons with 12 points, five rebounds, an assist and a block. Fellow junior Ava Lobozzo added 10 points, four rebounds and two steals. Senior McKenzie Mandyck finished with eight points, while sophomore Jojo Sulmasy contributed five points, four rebounds and two steals for William Smith Herons.

William Smith scored the first four points of the game, but Union responded with a 12-0 run to seize control. The Garnet Chargers held the Herons to 20% shooting in the opening quarter and led 15-8 after one. Union extended its advantage in the second quarter by shooting 56% from the floor and forcing four turnovers, taking a 42-21 lead into halftime.

Union continued its efficient play after the break, shooting 60% in the third quarter to stretch the lead to 68-36. The Herons showed defensive improvement in the fourth, forcing nine turnovers and grabbing eight offensive rebounds, led by Bridget McCleary’s work on the glass, but Union ran out the clock to secure the conference win.

Union was paced by Olivia Cunningham’s 19 points and 14 rebounds, while Kate Peek and Morgan Schultz scored 12 points apiece. Union finished with a 51-38 rebounding edge, while William Smith recorded 10 steals in the loss.