GENEVA, N.Y.—The William Smith College field hockey team picked up its second straight win this morning, opening the 2018 William Smith Invitational with a 3-1 triumph over Manhattanville College.
 
The Herons (2-3) dominated the stat sheet, outshooting the Valiants 24-4. William Smith also enjoyed an 8-3 advantage in penalty corners, but still had to hold their breath for a few minutes in the second half as the visitors tried to rally.
 
Sophomore Sophie Craig put the home team on the board first, blasting home an in-close shot for a 1-0 lead in the eighth minute. Senior Fallon Adair added her fourth goal of the season in the 21st minute, batting home a rebound for a 2-0 lead. William Smith took all 15 of the first half's shots, but sophomore goalkeeper Elaina Nacinovich made seven of her 11 stops on the day before halftime to keep Manhattanville close.
 
The Valiants (1-4) made things interesting with a goal in the 56th minute. Junior Ameerah Thomas sent a pass from the top of the arc to senior Emily Antinozzi, who flicked home her second goal of the year.
 
Craig's team-leading fifth goal of the season came about six minutes later, deflating Manhattanville's comeback hopes. Junior Kelsey Pierce set the table for the goal, taking a shot that Nacinovich saved, but Craig was there to put back the rebound.
 
Sophomore goalkeeper Alexandra DeVito earned the win for William Smith with two saves.
 
The Herons will be back in action at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 16, when they close out the invitational against Lebanon Valley. Manhattanville will face St. Lawrence in Sunday's first game at 10:30 a.m.