ITHACA, N.Y. -- The William Smith College field hockey team stagged a furious comeback effort to force overtime against Skidmore College in the New York State Women's Collegiate Athletic Association Championship game, but the Thoroughbreds dashed the Herons' hopes of a title with a goal less than three minutes into the extra frame.

William Smith (12-7) trailed 2-0 at halftime and was still scoreless at the 15 minute mark. Sophomore Jackie Hall (Berkshire School/Newport, R.I.) finally broke the Herons' scoring silence with 14:59 remaining in regulation off a helper from junior Jess Dascano (Afton Central/Afton, N.Y.).

Senior Ami Ford (Whitney Point/Whitney Point, N.Y.) netted the equalizer with 8:54 remaining in the second half off an assist by sophomore Nicole Livingston (Whitney Point/Whitney Point, N.Y.).

In overtime, William Smith had the first shot on goal, but Mary Meagher made her 11th save of the game. Skidmore (17-1) made the most of their first scoring chance in overtime, a four-on-one break away.

Sophomore Marjorie MacVean (Johnstown/Johnstown, N.Y.) made four saves in the cage for the Herons.

Dascano, Hall, and Livingston were named to the NYSWCAA All-Tournament team.

William Smith will find out later this evening if it has earned its 12th consecutive NCAA Tournament bid.

Scoring 1 2 OT Final
William Smith (12-7) 0 2 0 2
Skidmore (17-1) 2 0 1 3

Individual Scoring: William Smith - Hall 1-0, Ford 1-0, Livingston 0-1, Descano 0-1. Skidmore - McCellan 2-0, Howard 1-1, Wheeler 0-1. Saves: William Smith 4 (MacVean). Skidmore 11 (Osmond). Shots: William Smith 19, Skidmore 7. Penalty Corners: William Smith 17, Skidmore 5.

--HWS SPORTS--