CANTON, N.Y.—The William Smith golf team opened the 2025-26 season in the 36-hole St. Lawrence Fall Invitational over the weekend. Thirty-five golfers representing eight institutions played two rounds at the par 72 Appleton Golf Course.

Senior Caroline Gannon was the top Heron finisher, placing 24th overall. She made a 15-stroke improvement from Day 1 to Day 2, closing out the weekend with an 88.

In fact, all four William Smith golfers made improvements from Round 1 to Round 2. First-year Maggie McCarthy shaved two shots off her score and landed in 29th place. Classmate Samantha Murray made the biggest leap, improving 21 strokes, while sophomore Tara Valas made a 10 stroke improvement.

The Herons will be back in action Thursday, Sept. 11, when they host Geneseo in a match play event at Clifton Springs Country Club beginning at 2 p.m.