ELMIRA, N.Y.—The William Smith hockey team was edged by Elmira 2-0 in a hard-fought non-conference contest at the Murray Athletic Center this evening. It was the non-conference finale for the Herons.
 
First-year Julia Echavaria started in goal. She played just under 56 minutes and made a career-high 31 saves.
 
Abby Eselunas led the way for the Soaring Eagles, recording a goal and an assist. Oliva Last played all 60 minutes in goal and made 24 saves, including 13 in the third period, as she earned the shutout.
 
FOR THE RECORD

• William Smith is now 7-8-0 this season.
• Elmira improves to 9-3-1.

 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Elmira finished the game with a 33-24 edge in shots on goal.
• The Herons were 0-for-5 on the power play and Elmira was 0-for-2 with the extra attacker.

 
GAME SUMMARY

• For the second straight day, William Smith and Elmira were scoreless after the opening 20 minutes.
• Despite the score, the Soaring Eagles dominated possession, finishing with a 15-4 advantage in shots on goal in the frame.
• Annie Audet had the Soaring Eagles' best chance in the frame, but her shot hit the crossbar.
• Mo McBride opened the scoring five minutes into the second period. She one-timed a centering pass from Abby Eselunas for her third goal of the season. Lugge also had an assist on the tally.
• Eselunas scored her first goal of the season at the 16:38 mark of the middle stanza. She fired a shot from the top of the left faceoff circle into the back of the net. Bella Tomasso and Piper Andrews had assists on the goal.
• The Herons outshot Elmira 13-2 in the third period, but they could not manage to sneak a shot past the Soaring Eagles' goalie.
• William Smith had chances in the early stages of the frame, but Last was up to the task, making saves on several point-blank chances.

 
UP NEXT
William Smith will be back in action on Friday, Jan. 23, when they welcome Cortland to The Cooler. Face off is scheduled for 7 p.m.