ITHACA, N.Y.—In a showdown of nationally ranked women's soccer teams, No. 7 William Smith lived up to its billing, handing No. 22 Ithaca its first loss of the season 4-0. The Herons earned their fourth consecutive win to improve to 8-2-0 overall, 4-0-0 in the Liberty League, while the Bombers slip to 8-1-2, 2-1-0.
 
Senior Megan Barwick factored into all three of William Smith's goals in the second half, scoring twice and assisting on a third. First-year Sarah Gray scored the game winner and sophomore Sheila McQuillen also found the back of the net. Senior goalkeeper Veronica Romines made three saves to earn the shutout.
 
Gray's second goal of the season came in the 36th minute off an assist from sophomore Merilyn Henrichs. Gray played a perfect ball into the right upper 90. Her tally stood alone into halftime. Romines made one stop before the break, while her counterpart, Emma Fruhling, recorded two saves before the intermission.
 
Just 38 seconds into the second half, McQuillen extended the Heron lead. Barwick got the ball to McQuillen inside the box, who fired a shot past a diving Fruhling. In the 67th minute, Barwick took a through ball from Henrichs and buried her chance for a 3-0 lead. Barwick capped the afternoon's scoring, driving home a penalty kick in the 83rd minute. It was her team-leading seventh goal of the season.
 
William Smith outshot Ithaca 12-5 and had a 5-2 advantage on corner kicks.
 
The Herons' lead the all-time series against the Bombers 19-8-4. William Smith's four goals are the most by either side in the series.
 
The Herons continue their four-match road trip at Clarkson on Saturday, Oct. 6. The contest is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m.