Box Score GENEVA, N.Y.—The William Smith field hockey team scored an early goal and made it stand up for a 1-0 Liberty League victory over Rensselaer today. With the win, the Herons stop a four-match slide and improve to 7-4, 1-3 in the conference, while the Engineers fall to 2-9, 1-3.

William Smith got on the board in the 19th minute when senior Kaitlyn Hamilton drove home a pass from classmate Janelle Walkley on a penalty corner. The goal was Hamilton's team-leading ninth of the season.

Four minutes later, the Engineers had a quality scoring chance, gaining the circle to the left side of the cage. RPI sent a cross to the right side that forced first-year goalie Taryn Little to scramble across the goal mouth. The pass found its way to Margaret Chowaniec, whose running shot crossed the end line wide of the right post. Little was injured on the play and yielded to junior goalie Chelsea Snyder (1 save).

William Smith held a lopsided 9-1 advantage on shots, but solid play by the Engineers' defense kept the visitors within striking distance.

In the 38th minute, Hamilton nearly gave the Herons a 2-0 lead, but sophomore goalie Sarah Burcher (5 saves) made a spectacular diving stick-save to keep it a one-goal contest.

Rensselaer had its best scoring chance of the day thwarted by first-year Alyssa David. The Engineers caught the Herons out of position, working the ball to Carlie Newcomb in the middle of the circle with Snyder standing near her right post. However, David's defensive save preserved the shutout.

William Smith finished with a 16-4 advantage in shots and a 10-5 edge in penalty corners.

The Herons are back in action at 2 p.m. on Oct. 10, when they host Vassar. The Engineers will continue their road trip at the same time at Rochester.