Box Score

GENEVA, N.Y.—Sixteenth-ranked William Smith limited third-ranked Messiah to just a single goal, but the Falcons made sure that was enough, escaping McCooey Field with a 1-0 non-conference field hockey victory. Senior Julie Barton posted the game-winner in the 45th minute.

Messiah, which enter the match averaging 3.0 goals per game, kept the Herons under heavy pressure in the opening 35 minutes, but struggled to solve sophomore goalie Taryn Little. The Falcons outshot William Smith 15-4 in the first half, but Little turned back all seven shots on goal and got an assist in the form of a defensive save by first-year Morgan Atanasio.

The Herons (9-2) generated all four of their shots in the match in the opening half. First-year goalie Kayleigh Stewart stopped both offerings that were on frame.

Messiah (6-2) started the second half with a flurry of penalty corners, finally breaking through on the sixth try. First-year midfielder Brooke Sands sent a cross toward the front of the cage from the right side. Positioned near the right post, Barton lifted the feed into the top of the goal for her 10th tally of the season.

Little made three more saves down the stretch, finishing with a season-high 10.

William Smith will return to conference play on Friday, Oct. 8, when Hamilton visits McCooey Field. That match is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.