GENEVA, N.Y.—The William Smith College basketball team lost its Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association opener this season evening to visiting St. Lawrence University, 65-60. A nip-and-tuck affair from the opening tip, the Saints used an 8-0 run late in the second half to take control of the contest.

Trailing 45-42 with 7:46 remaining, the Saints (10-2, 2-0 in UCAA) recorded the game’s next eight points capped off by a three-point play by sophomore forward Meredith Pridgen (Hanover/Hanover, N.H.) at the 5:24 mark. Pridgen finished with a game-high 21 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocked shots.

A tightly contested game from start to finish, the lead changed hands seven times and was tied on seven other occasions. Neither team lead by more than seven points (William Smith, 40-33 with 11:21 remaining).

The Herons (4-5, 0-1) were led by the 20-point effort of first-year guard Pria Young (Council Rock/Richboro, Pa.) that included four three-pointers. Senior forward Laura Hadwin (Vestal/Vestal, N.Y.) added 16 points and 12 rebounds. She needs just two points to become the 11th Heron to record 1,000 for her career.

Senior forward Megan Dietrichsen (O.H. Platt/Meriden, Conn.) posted a double-double for the Saints with 17 points and 12 rebounds, as well as three blocked shots.

William Smith returns to action on Jan. 18, when Clarkson University visits Bristol Gym. The Herons and Golden Knights are scheduled to tip off at 4 p.m.