ROCHESTER, N.Y.-The fourth-ranked William Smith College soccer team defeated RIT 2-0 in its Liberty League opener at Tiger Stadium this afternoon. With the victory, the Herons are now 5-1-1 overall and 1-0-0 in Liberty League play.  The Tigers fall to 4-3-0 overall and 0-1-0 in conference play.
 
First-year Grace Gillian opened the scoring in the 18th minute. She collected a loose ball in the 18-yard box and chipped a shot into the upper right corner of the goal. It was her first collegiate goal. William Smith doubled its lead in the 39th minute. Junior Sheila McQuillen one-timed a crossing pass from junior Merilyn Hinrichs into the back of the net. It was McQuillen's second goal of the season.
 
Abbey Saia had RIT's best chance of the first half.  She was awarded a free kick from just outside the box but Amanda Kesler was there to make the save.
 
First-year Seneca Blakely-Armitage had a golden scoring opportunity in the 50th minute but her shot was smothered by Alyssa Salls. Two minutes later, junior Amanda Adams had a shot stopped by Salls.
 
William Smith finished the game with a 19-6 edge in shots and a 10-1 advantage in corner kicks.
 
Sophomore Amanda Kesler played all 90 minutes in goal for William Smith, making a pair of saves as she earned her fifth shutout of the season. Salls made eight saves in goal for the Tigers.
 
William Smith will be back in action on Saturday, Sept. 28, when it welcomes Skidmore to Cozzens Field. The game is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m.