Paced by a team-high four goals from junior Katie VanDeValk (Baldwinsville, NY), the Clarkson University Women’s Lacrosse team put in one of its best efforts ever against traditional Liberty League power William Smith, but the home-standing Herons were able to hold off the Golden Knights to gain an 18-12 victory on Boswell Field in Geneva, NY on Friday afternoon.

Senior Saryn Campbell (West Bolton, VT) and junior Alyssa Cristaldi (North Syracuse, NY) each tallied three goals and an assist for the Knights, who saw a modest two-game winning streak come to an end. Senior Alyssa Dausman (Syracuse, NY) contributed a goal and an assist as well as a game-high six ground balls. Senior Hannah Walters (Amherst, NY) played the whole game in net for the Green and Gold and stopped 10 shots.

Senior Laura Barlow (Latham, NY) also scored a goal, while VanDeValk won a game-high eight draw controls.

William Smith (6-7, 5-1 Liberty League) held a slim 7-6 lead at the break, but used a 6-1 run in the second half to outscore Clarkson 11-6 over the final 30 minutes en route to the victory at home.

The Herons enjoyed a 46-26 advantage in shots and a 27-22 edge in ground balls. William Smith was successful on 15-of-18 clear attempts, while Clarkson finished 12-for-22.

Rosie Scheibel scored a game-high six goals and earned an assist to lead William Smith. Abbie West notched five goals in the win. Lucy Johnson scored three goals for the Herons, while Kathleen Ragan scored two goals and added two assists. Maggie McNair played all 60 minutes in goal for the Herons and turned aside 11 shots.

At 5-7 overall and 1-5 in the conference, Clarkson plays at Union on Saturday in a 2:00 p.m. game in Schenectady.