GRANTHAM, Pa.- The seventh-ranked William Smith College soccer team shut out fifth-ranked Messiah 1-0 in a non-league contest on Shoemaker Field this evening. The Herons improved to 3-0-0 this season, while the Falcons fell to 3-1-0.
 
Messiah controlled the tempo in the game's opening 23 minutes applying pressure deep in its attacking territory. The Falcons had the game's first three shots, but they trickled wide of the goal.
 
William Smith made the most of its first shot of the game. Sophomore Sheila McQuillen found herself on the end of a brilliant through ball from a midfielder. She dribbled down the left wing and centered the ball for senior Megan Barwick. Barwick collected the bouncing ball and shot it from the top of the 18-yard box into the back of the net. It was her second goal of the season.
 
Following the goal, the Falcons continued to pressure but could not solve the Heron defense. Brooke Firestone had Messiah's best scoring chance in the 31st minute but her shot was smothered by first-year goalie Amanda Kesler.
 
Sophomore Merilyn Hinrichs nearly doubled William Smith's lead early in the second half but her shot bounced off the crossbar.
 
Kesler played all 90 minutes in goal for the Herons, making three saves. At the opposite end of the pitch, Sarah Yunez made one stop in 90 minutes of action.
 
Messiah finished the game with a 15-8 edge in shots while both teams earned one corner kick.
 
William Smith will be back in action on Wednesday, Sept. 12, when it hosts Geneseo on Cozzens Field. The non-conference contest is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m.