GRANTHAM, Pa.--The 12th-ranked William Smith College field hockey team lost to No. 10 Messiah College 3-1 this afternoon. The Herons slip to 13-4, while the Falcons improve to 12-4.

Messiah outshot William Smith 20-3 and had a 6-2 advantage on penalty corners.

The Falcons jumped out to a 2-0 lead with first half goals by Lindsey Hunter and Nikki Bailey.

The Herons halved their deficit in the 42nd minute when senior Brittney Paye (Clinton/Clinton, N.Y.) drove home her 10th goal of the season, but Messiah restored its two-goal advantage just over five minutes later.

Junior goalie Katie DeKraker (Staples/Westport, Conn.) made a season-high 12 saves for William Smith, while Ashley Mowery recorded two stops.

The Herons will host Union in the Liberty League Tournament semifinals on Nov. 2. The match is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. Fans unable to attend in person, can watch the match online on ECAC.tv.