Three members of the William Smith soccer team were recognized by the Liberty League for their performances last week. Senior Miranda DeMura was named the League's Defensive Performer of the Week and first-year Grace Sudbay was tabbed the Rookie of the Week. In addition, junior Grace Metzler earned a spot on the weekly honor roll.
 
The trio played important roles as the 12th-ranked Herons clinched the Liberty League regular season title with a 2-0-0 week in conference play. On Wednesday, William Smith beat St. Lawrence 2-0 on Cozzens Field. The Herons followed that with a 2-0 win at Union on Saturday.
 
DeMura was instrumental on both ends of the field. She had three points on a goal and an assist and led the Herons' defense to two shutouts. DeMura and the defense limited St. Lawrence and Union to a combined nine shots on the week. The Saints' three shots were a season-low. It was just the fourth time the Garnet Chargers had been held to single-digit shots in 16 games. Against St. Lawrence, DeMura scored the game-winning goal. DeMura set up Sudbay's goal in the second half at Union.
 
DeMura has started 14 games this season, recording five points on two goals and an assist.
 
Sudbay's goal at Union helped the Herons secure the league's regular season title.
 
Sudbay has started 14 games this season. logging 10 points on four goals and two assists. This is the third time Sudbay has been named the rookie of the week.
 
Metzler scored a goal in both games for the Herons, finishing the week with a team-high four points. She scored the insurance goal late in the second half against St. Lawrence. Metzler followed that up, notching the game-winner against Union. Metzler has had a point in seven straight games, scoring in four of the last five contests. She leads the team with 15 points on six goals and three assists.
 
William Smith enters the regular season finale winners of its last eight games. The Herons are 12-3-0 overall with an 8-0-0 mark in conference play and are ranked 15th in the NCAA Power Index. NPI is the formula used for selecting at-large bids to the NCAA tournament.
 
The Herons return to action Saturday, Oct. 31, when they welcome Rensselaer to Cozzens Field. The game is set to begin at 2 p.m.