The William Smith Herons lacrosse team defeated the Union Garnet Chargers, 12-7, on Saturday afternoon at Urick Stadium, clinching the Liberty League regular-season title while Head Coach Anne Phillips earned her 300th career victory. With the win, seventh-ranked William Smith improved to 14-2 overall and secured a first-round bye in the conference tournament, while Union fell to 9-5.
William Smith pulled away with a dominant stretch spanning the second and third quarters, turning a one-goal deficit into a comfortable lead. Katie Grottenthaler paced the offense with four points on three goals and an assist, while Grace Rund added a hat trick. The Herons used a six-goal run late in the first half to take control, then built on it by scoring all four goals in the third quarter. Delaney Cassidy contributed two goals, and Cat Colvin added a key score as part of a balanced attack.
Defensively, the Herons limited Union’s opportunities during the decisive stretch, outshooting the Garnet Chargers 10-1 in the third quarter. Casey Fiore made nine saves in goal to anchor the effort, while multiple players contributed on the defensive end, including Cassidy, Caitie Baker, Maeve Barrins and Janey Sypeck, who each recorded two caused turnovers. Lauren Collins led the team with six ground balls as William Smith controlled possession and dictated tempo.
After a tightly contested first half, the Herons’ surge proved to be the difference, allowing them to pull away and secure the milestone victory.
William Smith will return to action on Saturday, April 25 at 12 p.m. when it faces Washington and Lee in Sparks, Maryland.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].