PINE VALLEY, N.Y.—William Smith College senior Julianna Gong scored a pair of goals, but it wasn't enough as ninth-ranked Elmira scored twice in the third period to knock off upset-minded William Smith 4-3 in a New England Hockey Conference semifinal at The Murray Athletic Center this afternoon. The Herons conclude their season with a 12-13-1 overall record.
Emma Faso also scored for the Herons. Junior Annie Hauser made a career-high 41 saves in 60 minutes in the Herons' goal. Four different players scored for Elmira (21-5-0). Katie Manning led the way with a pair of assists. Leonie Kuehberger made 16 saves in the Soaring Eagle goal.
KEY STATS
- Elmira finished the game with a 45-19 advantage in shots on goal.
- The Herons were 1-for-2 on the power play and the Soaring Eagles were 1-for-6 with the extra skater.
MATCH MOMENTS
- Elmira opened the scoring at the 9:58 mark of the first period when Claire Meeder snuck a shot past Hauser. Erika Goleniak was awarded an assist on the power-play goal.
- The Herons drew level just under two minutes later. Faso wristed a shot from a tight angle past Kuehberger. Faso's sixth goal of the season was a shorthanded tally. Kayla Ketchabaw was awarded an assist on the goal.
- One minute later, Gong gave William Smith took a 2-1 lead on her fourth goal of the season. She broke down the right wing and slipped a shot into the back of the net.
- The Soaring Eagles tied the game with 29 seconds remaining in the opening frame. Emma Bradbury fired home a shot from the point. Kate Manning and Claire Meeder were awarded assists on the goal.
- William Smith regained the lead at the 5:10 mark of the middle stanza. Gong beat the Elmira goalie with a wrist shot from the right faceoff circle. Annabel Ziskin and Lauren Legler were credited with assists on the power-play goal. It was Gong's fifth goal of the season.
- Morgan Mordini scored the game-tying goal at the 6:49 mark of the third period. Kate Manning was awarded an assist on the goal.
- Holley Riva wrapped up the scoring. Her goal at the 12:56 mark of the third period was assisted by Morgan Mordini.