SPARKS GLENCOE, Md. – The sixth-ranked Washington and Lee women's lacrosse team dropped a 10-5 non-conference decision to No. 7 William Smith on Saturday afternoon at the USA Lacrosse Hall of Fame and Headquarters.
A five-goal first-quarter run by the Herons (15-2) proved decisive, as the Generals (13-4) matched William Smith 5-5 over the final three periods.
Game Summary
William Smith seized control early and never trailed, opening the contest with five unanswered goals in the first quarter. Kira Fulton struck first off an assist from Mia Falco, and the Herons continued to build momentum with goals from Falco, Grace Rund, and Katie Grottenthaler to take a 5-0 lead after one.
The Herons extended their advantage in the second on Rund's second goal before Washington and Lee broke through at the 4:19 mark. Sophie Edwards converted a player-up opportunity off a feed from Kelly Polacek to get the Generals on the board. However, William Smith answered less than a minute later with another Falco tally to carry a 7-1 lead into halftime.
The Generals showed resilience in the third quarter, scoring three of the first four goals to cut into the deficit. Polacek opened the third frame with a player-up goal for W&L, and after Rund completed her hat trick for the Herons, Edwards and Katie Reed scored back-to-back to trim the margin to 8-4 with 1:31 remaining in the period.
The Generals continued to press in the fourth, but William Smith responded with a goal from Delaney Cassidy to halt the momentum. Lara Baki scored unassisted with 3:33 remaining to bring W&L within four, but Cassidy added a late insurance goal as the Herons closed out the 10-5 victory.
Individual W&L Performances
By The Numbers
- William Smith outshot Washington and Lee 30-15, including a 15-9 edge in shots on goal.
- The Herons controlled possession with an 11-5 advantage in draw controls and both teams collected 14 ground balls, each.
- Washington and Lee went 16-for-19 on clears, while the Herons were 14-for-15.
- William Smith was led by Grace Rund (3 goals) and Mia Falco (2 goals, 2 assists).
- The Herons' five-goal opening quarter proved decisive, as W&L outscored William Smith 5-5 over the final three quarters.
Up Next: Washington and Lee will await its opponent for the ODAC Semifinals, scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday, May 1. The Generals will face either the University of Lynchburg or the winner of the Quarterfinals #1, Shenandoah.
Nestled in the mountains of Virginia, Washington and Lee University is a proud member of NCAA Division III and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. Founded in 1749, W&L is the ninth-oldest college in the United States and a top-ranked liberal arts university. With over 500 student-athletes in 24 varsity sports, the Generals have celebrated over 265 conference championships. Learn more about the Blue and White by visiting www.generalssports.com or on social media at @WLUGenerals.
