Box Score

GENEVA, N.Y.—The 16th-ranked William Smith field hockey team wrapped up the Liberty League portion of its scheduled with a 2-1 victory at Rochester tonight. The win raises the Herons' record to 13-3, 5-1 in the conference, while the Yellowjackets fall to 11-6, 2-4.

William Smith controlled the tempo in the first half, outshooting Rochester 8-2. On a penalty corner in the 27th minute, senior Kiersten Hamilton netted the only goal of the first half, flipping home her ninth tally of the year, assisted by sophomore Margaret McConnell.

Just 2:52 into the second half, sophomore Taylor Cappello gave the Herons a two-goal cushion, sticking home her team-leading 11th of the season.

Less than four minutes later, Rochester got on the board when Anna Dorbrzynski set up Alexis Vangellow's penalty corner goal.

Both teams had chances to score down the stretch, but Heron first-year goalie Catherine Hare and Yellowjacket Madison Wagner stood tall. Hare earned the win with five saves, while Wagner was credited with eight stops.

Not only did William Smith spoil Rochester's homecoming, but the Herons also pushed the Yellowjackets out the Liberty League playoff picture. Rochester finished tied for fourth place with St. Lawrence and Vassar. The Saints grabbed the fourth and final playoff spot on the league's third tiebreaker, common out-of-conference opponents. 

The only common opponent all three schools share is Hartwick. Rochester and St. Lawrence both beat the Hawks, but the Brewers lost 3-1, eliminating them from the tie. The Saints then win the tiebreaker over the Yellowjackets based on St. Lawrence's 5-4 penalty stroke win over Rochester.

The Herons will be back in action on Wednesday, Oct. 26, when they visit Hamilton for a non-conference match scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m.