CORTLAND, N.Y.-The 12th-ranked William Smith College field hockey team was edged 2-1 by Cortland in non-conference action at Stadium White this afternoon.
 
The Red Dragons (6-3) and The Herons (6-3) battled through 30 minutes of scoreless action before Cortland was able to crack the scoresheet. Gabby Stein fired a shot from inside the left post, under Biz Chirco's outstretched pad, and into the back of the cage. The goal was assisted by Jessica Welsh.
 
William Smith controlled most of the possession in the first half but the Cortland goalie, Kailynne Reinoehl, was up to the task stopping all five of the shots she faced. The Herons best scoring opportunity of the opening 35 minutes came off the stick of junior Hannah Wood. She beat Reinoehl but Meg Redmond was there for the defensive save.
 
William Smith leveled the game at one when junior Maura Moran notched her career-best seventh goal of the season. Moran, who has goals in five straight games, converted on her second penalty stroke in as many games.
 
The Red Dragons took the lead for good in the 43rd minute when Anna Branch fired a shot home from the right side of the 16-yard arc off a Cortland corner. Redmond was credited with an assist on the goal.
 
The Herons dialed up the pressure following Branch's goal, recording eight of the game's final 10 shots. William Smith's best opportunity down the stretch once again came off Wood's stick. She fired a laser of a shot from the top of the arc but Reinoehl was there to deny the opportunity.
 
The Herons finished the game with a 17-5 edge in shots but were only able to put one over the goal line. William Smith also earned 11 penalty corners to Cortland's five.
 
In goal, Chirco played the first 47 minutes, allowing two goals. Junior Emily King came on in relief and made two stops in the final 23 minutes. At the other end of the field, Reinoehl made 12 stops to keep the Heron offense in check.
 
William Smith will look to get back on track on Saturday, Oct. 1, when it hosts Vassar on McCooey Field. The Liberty League contest is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.