Pittsburgh, Pa. – The William Smith ice hockey team could not overcome a slow start and dropped an ECAC West contest to Chatham 3-0 this afternoon. The Cougars scored three first period goals to defeat the Herons.
 
Chatham (4-5-0, 2-4-0) opened the scoring eight minutes into the game. Erika Martin notched the game's first goal firing in a shot from the top of the crease. Marissa Janiga and Erika Bronk were credited with assists on the eventual game-winner. With the teams playing four on four, Jenny Jones rifled a shot past the goalie to double the Cougar's lead. Brittany Yoisten set up Jones' goal. Ninety seconds later, Janiga notched a power play goal to put Chatham up 3-0. Bronk and Katrina Hawkins picked up the assists on the insurance goal.
 
Megan Buchanan started in goal for the Cougars and held the Herons (2-8-1, 1-6-1) off of the scoreboard for the second straight game. Megan Messuri started in net for William Smith and played 58:25 recording 38 saves.
 
The Cougars outshot William Smith 41-24 including 20-4 in the first period. Chatham connected on one of its three power play opportunities while the Herons went 0-5 with the extra skater.
 
William Smith has completed the 2014 portion of its schedule. The Herons return to the ice Jan. 9-10, when they take on Franklin Pierce in Rindge, New Hampshire.