PITTSFORD, N.Y. – The nationally-ranked St. John Fisher College women's lacrosse team held on for a 7-6 win over No. 17 William Smith College on Saturday in a non-conference bout inside Growney Stadium.  With the win, Fisher, which is ranked 11th in the latest Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association poll, improved to 4-0 on the year while the Herons fell to 0-1.

After falling behind 3-1 through the first 20 minutes of play, the Cardinals were awarded a late free position opportunity as Sydney DeGirolamo fired one past the Herons' keeper to make it 3-2 at the break.

Coming out of halftime, William Smith quickly added to its lead with a goal just 42 seconds into the second period, but Fisher would regroup and scored three straight goals with Brittany Halpin, Mackenzie Alexander and DeGirolamo each finding the back of the net to make it 5-4 in Fisher's favor.

Trailing by a goal just past the midway point of the second half, William Smith was able to net the equalizer after burying a feed in front of the goal to level the score at 5-5. 

With under 10 minutes remaining in the game, Halpin drew a free position shot and made the most of her chance after blowing one past the Herons' keeper to stake Fisher to a one-goal lead.  The junior would strike again five minutes later after whipping a sidearm shot into the top corner to give the Cardinals some breathing room, 7-5.

Leading by two goals with time running out, Fisher looked to contain William Smith, but the Herons were able to pull to within one after scoring with nearly three minutes still to play.  On the defensive end of the field, William Smith was able to fend off the Cardinals' attack before working the ball up field to force a free position chance with just 11 seconds showing on the clock.  Needing to come up with a big goal, William Smith fell short as its shot attempt sailed high before the final horn sounded.

In all, Fisher caused 13 turnovers in the win led by Erin Mills who had four.  The defender also corralled a game-high seven groundballs while DeGirolamo finished with eight draw controls to her credit.

In goal, Claudia Mocciaro was impressive as the senior allowed just six goals and came away with seven saves.  She also had two caused turnovers and four groundballs in the win.

Fisher will go for its fifth straight win at 1 p.m. on Saturday when it faces Utica College in Utica in the team's Empire 8 debut.