No. 1 Elmira bookended three goal periods to skate by the Herons 6-2 this evening in Elmira, New York. The Soaring Eagles scored three goals in both the first and third periods tonight.
 
Elmira (20-1-1, 15-0-0) opened the scoring at 1:45 of the first period. Olivia Nystrom tucked a shot just inside the right post. Ashton Hogan and Brooke Wilgosh notched assists on the play. Cassidy Delainey scored the game's next two goals to extend the Elmira lead to 3-0 before the end of the period. Delainey's first goal was a wrist shot in the slot that beat William Smith goalie Maggie Salmon high glove side. At 18:49 of the first period, Delainey redirected a Wilgosh shot from the point into the back of the net.
 
William Smith (2-19-1, 1-13-1) scored twice in the second period to make it a one goal game at the end of 40 minutes. Hedi Droste beat Elmira goalie Kyle Nelson blocker side to get the Herons on the board. Droste's shot was William Smith's second shot of the game. Her second career goal was assisted by Johanna Slicklen and Rebecca Begley. Thirty seconds later, Andie Plumeri tapped home a loose puck to pull the Herons within one goal. The goal was Plumeri's second of the year. Emily Burton and Catherine Linehan were credited with assists on the goal.
 
William Smith had a chance to tie the game at three when Burton broke into the offensive zone. Dori Craig, who was just jumping out of the penalty box, made it a two on none break.  Nelson took away the passing lane and harmlessly steered Burton's shot to the side board.
 
Hogan doubled Elmira's lead just 48 seconds into the third period. She tipped an Ashley Ryan shot past Salmon. The power-play goal gave the Soaring Eagles a 4-2 lead.  Ryan iced the game for Elmira firing a shot into the back of the net at 7:28 of the third period. Hogan added an empty net goal to close out the scoring.
 
Kiley Fewster had William Smith's best scoring opportunity of the third period. Her breakaway opportunity was gloved aside by Nelson.
 
Salmon got the start in net for William Smith and made 42 saves. Nelson started between the pipes for Elmira.
 
These two teams will be back in action tomorrow when they meet at The Cooler. Faceoff is scheduled for 8 p.m.