LAKE LYTAL, Fla.-The William Smith College lacrosse team, ranked 18th in this week's IWLCA Division III poll, opened the 2008 season today with an 11-10 victory over Brockport. The Herons improve to 1-0 overall, while the Golden Eagles drop to 1-1.

Sophomore Molly Fitzgerald (Gould Academy/Sudbury, Mass.) led the William Smith offense with two goals, both on free position attempts, and two assists. Senior Sarah Davidson (South Burlington/South Burlington, Vt.) totaled two goals and an assist, while classmate Rachel Stahl (Charles W. Baker/Baldwinsville, N.Y.) also scored twice. Junior Nina Sperry (Daniel Hand/Madison, Conn.) added a goal and a helper. All four Herons picked up four ground balls, as did sophomore Sarah Goodkind (Millbrook School/Greenwich, Conn.).

Julia Decker, Carrie Kane, Kim Morris, and Lexie Goodhart each tallied twice to lead Brockport.

William Smith jumped out to an early 1-0 lead, as it took Sperry less than a minute and a half to find the back of the net. Decker answered 40 seconds later with the Golden Eagles first goal of the game, before the Herons went on a 5-2 run to end the half with a 6-3 lead.

Fitzgerald and Davidson combined for four of William Smith's first-half goals, while first-year Cassie Findlay (Episcopal/Riverside, Conn.) notched her first collegiate tally at the 17 minute, 11 second mark.

The Herons took their largest lead of the game, 8-3, at the beginning of the second stanza, following goals from junior Michaela Parnell (Guilford/Guilford, Conn.) and Goodkind.

The Golden Eagles would not go away, rallying with a five-goal scoring frenzy in the final 10 minutes of action. Brockport cut its deficit to two twice, but well-timed goals by Stahl and junior Torie Allen (Governor Dummer Academy/Dedham, Mass.) halted the Golden Eagles' comeback bid. Allen's goal would prove to be the eventual game-winner.

Morris and Kane each tallied in the final 1:13, putting Brockport back to within one, 11-10, but would run out of time.

Senior Heron goalkeeper Morgan Baird (Pingree School/Gloucester, Mass.) collected 15 saves in the win.

William Smith will be in action again on March 20, when it meets Messiah at 9:00 a.m. for its final contest in Florida.

2008-03-18