GENEVA, N.Y.—The William Smith College lacrosse team is ranked 14th in the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) preseason poll. The Herons, who began the 2009 season ranked 18th, finished with an 11-4 record last spring.

William Smith returns eight of its top nine scorers from last year, including All-Liberty League First Team selection senior Molly Fitzgerald, as well as Liberty League Rookie of the Year and first-team pick sophomore Lucy Johnson. Fitzgerald paced the Herons and ranked seventh in the conference with 42 goals, including four game-winners, and 10 assists, while Johnson followed close behind with 37 goals and 13 helpers. Also returning to lead William Smith's potent offense are seniors Sarah Goodkind (30 goals-13 assists-43 points) and Brittany Callaghan (17-9-26).

Four of William Smith's 2010 opponents are ranked in the IWLCA's preseason poll. The Herons will host Liberty League foes No. 4 Hamilton (April 17) and No. 9 Union (April 30), as well as non-conference rival No. 13 Cortland (April 14). William Smith will visit 18th-ranked St. John Fisher (March 23).

Defending national champion Franklin & Marshall sits atop the 2010 poll, with Salisbury and Gettysburg rounding out the top three.

The Herons open the 2010 schedule on March 6, when they host Nazareth on McCooey Field at 2 p.m.