GENEVA, N.Y.—The William Smith tennis team suffered a hard-fought 5-4 defeat to St. Lawrence in the Liberty League Tournament third place match this afternoon at the HWS Tennis Center. The fourth seeded Herons slip to 11-7 on the season, while the third seeded Saints improve to 14-4.

Ranked 17th in the Northeast by the ITA, St. Lawrence got off to a fast start, sweeping the doubles points. William Smith, 22nd in the region, battled back when singles play began. No. 1 Chelsea Rauck, No. 4 Melissa Slack, and No. 6 Erinn Cain captured straight set wins, while No. 5 Gaby Berkman overcame a first set loss to prevail 5-7, 6-2, 6-2.

Unfortunately for the Herons, the Saints captured second and third singles to secure the victory.

Earlier today, Vassar defeated Skidmore 7-2 to win the Liberty League Championship.