GENEVA, NY (May 21, 2023) -- Host and No. 3 William Smith College outscored the No. 5 Tufts University women's lacrosse squad 6-0 in the first quarter, using that lead to propel the Herons to a NCAA Division III Women's Lacrosse Quarterfinal win over the Jumbos with a score of 14-4 from Boswell Field at Urick Stadium Sunday afternoon.
Despite the loss, the Jumbos (16-5) earned yet another trip to the NCAA Quarterfinals, their fourth straight time getting to this point in the tournament. Tufts just couldn't get much going offensively in the first quarter, as William Smith (21-0) was able to pick up an advantage in the draw circle which allowed it to host most of the possession in the early going.
WSC tallied the first four goals in the first five minutes, as Tufts didn't get its first touch on offense until the 8:57 mark of the first quarter. The Herons continued to add to their lead taking a six-goal edge into the second quarter.
The Jumbos got on the board though to start the second quarter, as
Margie Carden tied her school record for goals in a season with her 69th of the year unassisted at 11:44. Tufts had a few chances to inch closer following the Carden goal, but Payton McMahon tallied for WSC following two saves on the Jumbos on the other end. William Smith ended up scoring with 2:03 left in the half to take an 8-1 lead into the break.
The momentum would stay on the side of the Herons, as the hosts built up a 12-1 lead before
Emma Joyce got on the board with her 54th of the year with 7:02 left in the frame.
Ella Lesperance would score a pair of goals late in regulation, but it wouldn't be enough as the Jumbos run in the NCAA Tournament came to an end.
The big number on the day in the stat sheet was the Herons advantage in the circle, as WSC hed a 17-5 edge in draw controls on the contest. Tufts was also 0-for-8 on free position shots on the day, while William Smith took advantage with four goals in its five shots.
First-year
Kate Deehan posted a solid performance for the Jumbos, as she caused three turnovers, adding an assist and ground ball. Katheryn Fernandopulle also posted two caused turnovers and two ground balls, while
Emma Joyce finished with two ground balls and a goal.
Courtney Kaufman also made six stops for the Jumbos.
Maddie Montgomery finished with five points on four goals and an assist, also tallying seven draw controls, while Natalie Daniels added four goals in the victory.
William Smith will now play Gettysburg College in the NCAA Championship semifinals after the Bullets defeated York College (Pa.) 17-8.
The Jumbos will say good bye to one of the all-time winningest senior groups in program history, including back-to-back NCAA Championship game appearances in 2021 and 2022 along with NESCAC titles in 2021 and 2022.
--JUMBOS--
