William Smith first-year Julia Keogh scored what proved to be the game winner for No. 6 Heron soccer in the 71st minute, clinching a 1-0 Liberty League victory over RIT today in Rochester, N.Y. With their fourth straight win, the Herons improved to 7-1-0 overall and 2-0-0 in conference play.
 
The Tigers fall to 6-2-1 overall and 0-1-1 in the Liberty League. Junior Veronica Romines played all 90 minutes in goal for William Smith and stopped the lone shot she faced to secure her third shutout this fall. The win marked the Herons' fourth shutout this year.
 
Keogh broke through in the 71st minute. First-year Merilyn Hinrichs sent a pass to Keogh inside the box. The Tigers' keeper, Kelly Rogers, got a piece of the shot, but it bounced into the corner of the net and proved to clinch the victory for the Herons. It was Keogh's second goal this year, and Hinrich's first collegiate assist.
 
Senior Evie Manning and junior Sarah Olick-Sutphen had the Herons' best scoring chances in the first half. Manning's sharp angle shot was saved by Rogers. Olick-Sutphen had a one-on-one with Rogers inside the penalty area, but Rogers once again made the save.
 
RIT's best scoring chance came in the 67th minute off a corner kick. Riley Yankowich's header went ride of the post. Rogers finished with five saves in goal for the Tigers.
 
William Smith finished with an 11-3 advantage in shots. Each team earned two corners.
 
The Herons are back in action on Saturday, Sept. 30, when they travel to Bard for another Liberty League match at 2 p.m.