Box Score GENEVA, N.Y.—The fifth-ranked William Smith College soccer team defeated Skidmore College 3-2, in a thrilling overtime Liberty League semifinal match today on Cozzens Field. Sophomore Megan Stevens (Saratoga Springs/Saratoga Springs, N.Y.) netted the game-winning goal just 25 seconds into overtime to send the top-seeded Herons to tomorrow’s championship game. William Smith improved its record to 16-0-1 overall, while the Thoroughbreds fell to 11-6-2 on the season.

Four of the game’s five goals were scored in the first half. William Smith struck first, as senior Laura Burnett-Kurie (Oyster River/Durham, N.H) found junior Rayza Santiago (Webster Schroeder/Webster, N.Y.) for a goal in the 10th minute.

Skidmore senior Anna Cerio (Alfred-Almond/Alfred, N.Y.) put Skidmore on the board in the 33rd minute after a scramble in front of the net. Her goal was immediately followed by another William Smith tally. This time it was Santiago setting up 2007 Liberty League Rookie of the Year Brelynn Nasypany (Herkimer/Herkimer, N.Y.) for the goal. Nasypany’s 12th score of the season gave the Herons a 2-1 lead.

The Thoroughbreds tied the game again at 36:19. Cerio drew first-year Heron goalkeeper Alexandra Chase (Bosque School/Albuquerque, N.M.) out of the goal, then passed the ball to junior Rachel Sushner (Winston Churchill/Potomac, Md.) for the wide open shot. The teams took a 2-2 tie into the break.

After a scoreless second half, Stevens scored after Skidmore goalie Liza Mills (Ward Melville/Setauket, N.Y.) deflected a William Smith shot, which trickled back toward the goal. Stevens was there to put the ball in the back of the net and give the Herons the victory.

The Thoroughbreds out shot their host 11-8, while William Smith held a slim 3-1 advantage in corner kicks.

Chase finished the first half with three saves, before exiting the game with an injury. She was replaced by first-year Alice Binns (Beaver Country Day/Boston, Mass.), who collected two saves and her 12th win of the season. Mills finished with three saves for Skidmore.

William Smith will take on eighth-ranked Hamilton (14-0-1) in the Liberty League Championship tomorrow, Nov. 3, at noon. Both teams enter tomorrow’s match with unbeaten records, and played to a 1-1 double-overtime tie earlier in the season. The Continentals, seeded second in the tournament, downed third-seeded Union 2-1 earlier today to advance. Live stats will be available online throughout the game.