GENEVA, N.Y.—William Smith College first-year Merilyn Hinrichs scored both goals as the No. 5 Heron soccer team shut out visiting Rensselaer 2-0 in a Liberty League game today on Cozzens Field.
 
The Herons improve to 12-1-0 this season and 7-0-0 in conference play. RPI is now 6-5-2 this season and 3-2-1 in the Liberty League. William Smith has notched nine straight wins and six straight shutouts. The Herons have earned eight totals shutouts this season. Junior goalie Veronica Romines stopped the lone shot she faced to earn her sixth shutout of the year.
 
Just 5:29 into the game, Hinrichs put the Herons up 1-0 on William Smith's first shot of the game. After Heron throw in deep in their offensive zone, first-year Julia Keogh pushed a short pass to Hinrichs out in front. She tapped the ball over the line for her second goal this season. Hinrichs struck again in the 51st minute. Senior Evie Manning sent a long ball to Hinrichs in the box. Hinrichs fired a shot on goal that was initially saves by RPI goalie Joey Lyons. Lyons couldn't hang on and the rebound bounced out to Hinrichs who converted on her second try.
 
RPI's lone shot on goal came just 35 seconds into the contest when Dali Alarian drilled a shot from just outside of the box, but Romines stepped up to make the save.
 
Lyons finished with 10 saves in goal for the Engineers. The Herons recorded with a 20-3 lead in shots and a 6-0 advantage in corners.
 
William Smith will be back in action on Saturday, Oct. 21, when they travel to take on Vassar in a Liberty League game at 2 p.m.