GENEVA, N.Y.—This weekend's forecast of winter weather and cold temperatures has forced a change to the William Smith lacrosse team's season-opener against Oswego State. Originally scheduled to be played in Oswego, the game will now take place on Stiles Field in the Poole Family Dome. Opening draw is now scheduled for 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 26.
 
The Herons are ranked seventh in this week's Nike/USA Lacrosse Magazine poll. In addition, the Herons are ranked sixth in the IWLCA preseason poll. On Friday, the Herons, who are the five-time defending Liberty League Champions, were picked to finish second in the Liberty League poll behind Ithaca.
 
Offensively the Herons return three of their top four goal scorers from a season ago, including Maddie Montgomery, who was a third team IWLCA All-American. The Liberty League Rookie of the Year led the Herons with 49 goals and 57 points.
 
Saturday's game will be the third meeting between William Smith and Oswego. The Herons have won the past two meetings by the score of 18-3, including a 2020 match-up in the Poole Family Dome. Payton McMahon had four points on three goals and an assist in the victory.  Anna Murphy added three points on two goals and an assist.