The 18th-ranked William Smith field hockey team defeated Oswego State 5-1 this evening in a non-conference game. Sophomore Hannah Wood recorded a game-high five points as the Herons cruised to a season opening victory over the Lakers.
                                                          
With the Lakers trying to kill off two yellow cards, junior Alessandra Patrizio scored at 14:13 of the first half to give the Herons a 1-0 lead. Wood was credited with the assist on the goal. Wood dribbled the ball down the right side and fired a cross cage pass to Patrizio.
 
Just under two minutes later, William Smith doubled its lead. Sophomore Alexandra Frary collected a bouncing ball in front of the Oswego net and redirected the ball into the back of the net. Sophomore Maura Moran was credited with an assist on the goal.
 
Frary had a chance to extend the lead in the closing seconds of the first half but was rejected twice from close range.  Julia Calandra came away with a clutch defensive save for the Lakers.
 
Four minutes into the second half, Moran added a goal of her own to extend William Smith's lead to 3-0. She was awarded a penalty stroke after Wood was taken down in the circle. Moran lifted a shot that beat Oswego goalie, Sarita Charap.
 
The Lakers got a goal back in the 42nd minute. Lisa O'Callaghan lifted a shot over William Smith goalie, Biz Chirco's shoulder from close range to make it 3-1 Herons. Bri Sturdevant was credited with the assist on the play.
 
Wood scored the game's next two goals to give the Herons a 5-1 lead. At 56:52 of the second half, Wood collected her own rebound and stuffed a shot over the goal line. Five minutes later, she again collected her own rebound off of Charap's pads and potted her second goal of the game.
 
The William Smith midfield and defense did a great job keeping the Oswego offense bottled up in the center of the field, limiting their offensive chances.
 
Chirco got the start in the cage for the Herons making one save. Charap started between the pipes for the Lakers, collecting 12 saves.
 
William Smith dominated the box score outshooting Oswego 28-2 while holding an 11-4 edge in penalty corners.
 
The Herons return to action Saturday, Sept. 5, when they host preseason No. 7 Ursinus. The Herons home opener is slated to start at noon on McCooey Field.