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The 1995 William Smith lacrosse team is the seventh to be recognized as a Heron Team of Distinction. The 1995 squad went a perfect 16-0 to reach the NCAA Championship game, matching the school record for consecutive victories established just a year earlier.
An offensive juggernaut, the Herons showed pure dominance throughout the regular season, averaging 17.5 goals per game. They encountered little resistance during the campaign, outscoring opponents by more than 10 goals per game. After picking up two wins in Florida, the Herons return to Geneva for a 20-9 win over Hamilton 20-9 led by Amy Hoover’s nine-point day. As the team cruised through the regular season, only Hartwick (12-7) and Middlebury (15-10) managed to stay within five goals of William Smith.
Ranked second in the nation in the IWLCA poll, the Herons opened the NYSWCAA Tournament with a 13-2 win over Albany. In the semifinals, Cortland provided little resistance as William Smith advanced to the title game 17-7. Standing in the way of a fifth straight state crown was third-ranked Hartwick. To make the task more daunting, the Hawks had home field advantage. Nationally ranked and playing at home didn’t prove to be nearly enough of an advantage as Jennifer Bertsch’s seven-goal outburst led William Smith to a 22-9 victory.
The NCAA Tournament was up next and the Herons’ first round opponent was a familiar one. For the third time, William Smith would have to find a way past Hartwick.
Would the third time be a charm for the Hawks?
To a degree, it was. Hartwick scored the second most goals the Herons allowed an opponent, but William Smith got better too. With Bertsch and Kristen McCarthy '96 pumping in five goals apiece, the Herons prevailed 24-10.
In the semifinals, goalie Sarah Daniels '95 stared down a Johns Hopkins attack that averaged more than 15 goals per game, making 15 saves in a 16-9 victory that set up another rematch with Trenton State.
The Herons and Lions battled back and forth. At three different times during the contest, William Smith enjoyed a three-goal lead, but Trenton State was relentless, battling back each time. The Lions held the lead just twice during the contest, 9-8 after breaking a halftime tie, and 14-13 following the game’s final goal with 1:59 remaining.
William Smith boasted an array of all-stars, including four All-Americans, first team picks Hoover and Amy Alvord '95 and second team selections Bertsch and Daniels.
Four members of the team have been inducted in the Heron Hall of Honor,
Bertsch (Class of 2007),
Hoover (2002),
Jennifer Joinnides ’97 (2007), and
Head Coach Pat Genovese (1999).
