The nationally-ranked William Smith College lacrosse team returns to action on Saturday, March 12, when it welcomes Nazareth to Stiles Field in the Poole Family Sports Dome. The game was moved inside due to winter weather forecasted for Geneva.
 
Due to fire code which limits occupancy of the Dome, only spectators on the teams' pass lists will be admitted to the game. The contest will be webcast on HWS All-Access and broadcast on WHWS-FM (105.7 in Geneva). Fans can also follow the game through Live Stats.
 
The Herons, who are ranked seventh in the IL Women/IWLCA Coaches poll and fourth in the Nike/US Lacrosse Magazine Poll, bring a 2-0 record into Saturday's game. William Smith cruised to a 20-6 victory over then No. 22 Geneseo last Saturday. The Herons enter the weekend ranked 15th in the nation in scoring defense (4.5 gpg), 17th in save percentage (.609), 18th in shots per game (38.50) and 19th in scoring margin (+11.0).
 
Individually, William Smith is led by Allie McGinty's 10 points. She has nine assists and is eighth in the nation in assists per game (4.5). Anna Murphy is right behind her with eight points on a team-best seven goals and one assist. She has a team-high six ground balls. Molly Davis (5g, 2a) has seven points and has won a team-high 11 draws. Kate Risley paces the defense with five caused turnovers and four ground balls.
 
Maura Smeader has played 105 of the 120 minutes in goal this season. She is 2-0 with a 3.43 goals against average and a .684 save percentage. She leads the Liberty League and is seventh in the nation in both GAA and save percentage.
 
Nazareth is 0-2 and coming off a 16-3 loss against nationally-ranked Brockport Wednesday afternoon. The Golden Flyers are averaging nine goals per game while allowing 16. Maren Wallace leads the team with four points on three goals and an assist. Emma Robinson and Annie Rubel have three goals each. Emma Perry has brought in a team-high eight ground balls. Katie Lawrence has played a majority of the minutes in goal. She is 0-2 with a 16.00 GAA and a .404 save percentage.
 
Saturday's game will be the 25th meeting between William Smith and Nazareth. The Herons hold a 15-9 edge in the series and have won four straight games. William Smith defeated the Golden Flyers 13-3 on March 4, 2020, at David J Urick Stadium. Murphy recorded a game-high six points on four goals and two assists in the victory. Ellie Burns '21 also scored four goals for the Herons.