Box Score l Updated Stats

GENEVA, NY – The Nazareth women's basketball team fell for the first time in the 2016-17 season Tuesday night, as the Herons from William Smith earned a 76-61 victory.  William Smith burst open a 33-31 halftime lead in the third quarter, outscoring Nazareth 25-13 to seize control of the contest.

Nazareth falls to 2-1 with the loss, while the Herons move to 2-2.

Senior Sam Sorge tied a career-high with 27 points, going 11-for-21 from the floor, including 4-of-11 from 3-point range.  She also grabbed nine boards.

Nazareth opened with authority, shooting 52 percent (14-for-27) compared to just 30 percent (9-for-30) in the second half. 

Sorge scored seven of Nazareth's first 12 points to help the Golden Flyers open up a 12-2 lead less than three minutes into the game.

The Herons, however, found their groove and evened the score at 20 apiece heading into the second quarter. 

Trailing by two at the half, Nazareth failed to convert a field goal until four minutes into the third quarter, allowing the Herons to build a double-digit lead.

Samantha Peebles dropped a pair of free throws at the 6:12 mark in the fourth quarter to cut the lead to 60-53, but the Golden Flyers would come no closer. 

She finished the game with eight points and two steals.

Rachel Benedict scored in double figures for the third straight game, finishing with 15 points on 5-of-11 shooting.  She also had seven rebounds. 

Shelby Benjamin was a perfect 3-for-3 en route to six points.

Nazareth returns to action next Tuesday when it will travel to Fredonia for a 7 p.m. contest.