PINE VALLEY, N.Y. - The William Smith College ice hockey team was defeated by fifth-ranked Elmira 4-1 in an ECAC West game at Murray Athletic Center this evening. Meghan Fonfara led all players with two goals in the game.
 
The Soaring Eagles (11-2-2, 9-0-0) took an early 1-0 lead when Sarah Hughson redirected a Kristin Chivers shot past William Smith goalie Devon Strachan. Chivers and Shannon Strawinski were credited with assists on the goal.
 
The Herons (4-10-2, 1-7-1) answered back at 11:47 of the first period. Gina Scibetta broke into the offensive zone and wristed a shot from the right faceoff circle past Kelcey Crawford and into the back of the net. The goal came on William Smith's second shot of the game. Scibetta's power-play goal was assisted by Kiley Fewster. Despite being outshot 14-4 the Herons were able to keep the game tied 1-1 headed into the first intermission.
 
Elmira regained a one goal lead at 16:17 of the second period. Fresh out of the penalty box, Johanna Eidensten collected a pass from Louisa Lippiatt Durnell and wristed a shot over Strachan's glove. Meg Lahey was credited with the secondary assist on the goal. Just under two minutes later, Fonfara pocketed her first goal of the game. She redirected a Kiana Melvin shot from the point into the back of the net. Anna Tude was also credited with an assist on the goal.
 
Fonfara's second goal of the game came at 2:13 of the third period. Eidensten forced a turnover in the offensive zone and dropped the puck to Fonfara, who wristed a shot past Strachan.
 
Strachan made 37 saves in goal for William Smith. At the opposite end of the ice, Crawford stopped 14 of the 15 shots she faced in the winning effort.
 
Both teams went 1-for-4 on the power play in tonight's game.
 
The Herons and Soaring Eagles will meet again tomorrow afternoon. Faceoff at The Cooler is scheduled for 4 p.m.