CANTON, N.Y.—The William Smith College soccer team scored three goals in the second half as it rallied to defeat St. Lawrence 3-1 in a Liberty League contest on Sandy MacAllaster field this afternoon. With their 13th consecutive victory, the Herons improved to 14-1-1 overall on the season and conclude the regular season with a 9-0-0 record in conference play.
Merilyn Hinrichs and
Julia Keogh each recorded a goal and an assist in the victory.
Amanda Kesler started in goal and made four saves as she earned her 11th win of the season.
Isabel Silva scored for the Saints (7-6-2, 3-5-1). Keely Snode started and played all 90 minutes in goal for St. Lawrence, making seven saves.
Silva opened the scoring in the fourth minute. She intercepted a Kesler clearing attempt, settled the ball and chipped a shot over the goalie and into the back of the net. It was her fourth goal of the season.
A minute later, William Smith had a chance to tie the game, but the Herons could not convert on the corner kick. In the 16th minute. Hinrichs and
Sheila McQuillen had shots from inside the 18-yard box blocked.
Amanda Adams had a shot turned aside by Snode in the 25th minute. Ten minutes later, Lauren Arthaud had a chance to give St. Lawrence a two-goal lead, but Kesler made the save.
The Herons tied the game in the 61st minute on Hinrichs' sixth goal of the season. She collected a pass from Keogh and snuck a shot past Snode. Six minutes later, McQuillen redirected a centering pass from Hinrichs into the back of the net. It was McQuillen's ninth goal of the season. Keogh rounded out the scoring in the 70th minute, converting her third penalty kick strike of the season. Her first attempt was stopped by Snode, but an official ruled Snode's feet came off the line early, giving Keogh another chance. Keogh leads the Herons and the Liberty League with 16 goals.
Williams Smith finished the game with a 22-12 edge in shots and a 6-3 advantage in corner kicks.
With the win, the Herons completed their seventh undefeated Liberty League regular season in the past eight years.
William Smith will host the Liberty League Tournament semifinals and championship on Nov. 6-7. The Herons will face the winner of the No. 5 Skidmore at No. 4 RIT in the semifinal at 11 a.m. The Thoroughbreds will travel to face the Tigers on Tuesday, Nov. 2. Ithaca is the No. 2 seed and will take on the winner of No. 6 Vassar at No. 3 Union. The second semifinal will start at 1:30 p.m.
