Tanner netted a career-high four goals as William Smith defeated RPI 15-7 this afternoon. (photo by Kevin Colton)

April 21, 2006

TROY, N.Y.—The William Smith lacrosse team used a balanced scoring effort as the Herons cruised past Rensselaer 15-7 this afternoon in Liberty League action on Harkness Field. Paced by senior midfielder Jessica Tanner’s (Guilderland/Schenectady, N.Y.) four-goal effort, six student-athletes registered at least two points as the Herons improved to 8-5 overall and 6-1 in the conference.

Sophomore attackers Rachel Stahl (Charles W. Baker/Baldwinsville, N.Y.) and Jesse McKenna (Middlesex School/Wenham, Mass) also recorded four points. Stahl used a balance scoring attack of two goals and two assists, while McKenna netted a marker and handed out three helpers.

William Smith quickly took control of the contest, scoring the first five goals in just 12:13. Junior midfielder Sarah Dillon (Blair Academy/Oldwick, N.J.) and Tanner keyed the opening surge with two goals each. Stahl capped the run off a feed from McKenna.

Less than a minute later, RPI (4-9, 2-5) quickly responded with a pair of goals just 20 seconds apart, cutting the deficit to 5-2. Unfazed by the Red Hawks surge, William Smith regained its five-goal advantage thanks to junior midfielder Jessica Scott (Waynflete School/Portland, Maine) and Tanner. Scott turned in a three-goal effort, raising her season total to 12.

The Herons entered the intermission with a three-goal lead, 8-5.

William Smith opened the second stanza on a six-goal tear, taking a commanding 14-5 advantage. The Herons continued their dominance in the second half, as they never let their advantage dip below seven goals.

Between the pipes, sophomore goalie Morgan Baird (Pingree School/Gloucester, Mass.) continued her impressive play, stopping 14 saves. She has reached double digits in saves in five of her past six contests. First-year netminder Becky Josefiak (West Seneca East/ West Seneca, N.Y.) saw action in three minutes and 32 seconds, but did not have to make a save.

William Smith wraps up its Liberty League circuit at 2 p.m. on April 22, when the Herons travel to Vassar College.

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