November 12 , 2005

GRANTHAM, Pa.—The 11th-ranked William Smith College field hockey team lost in the NCAA Division III Quarterfinal round 3-1 to third-ranked Messiah College.

The Herons jumped out to a 1-0 lead when junior forward Sophie Dennis (Dana L. West/Port Byron, N.Y.) converted a penalty stroke at the 15:42 mark. The goal was her team-leading 21st of the season.

The Falcons drew even 11 minutes later on a goal by senior forward Jenna Schwind. Messiah took the lead less than four minutes before halftime thanks to senior forward Aftan Fisher.

Messiah added an insurance goal early in the second half, again off the stick of Fisher.

William Smith’s best opportunity in the second half came with 27:15 remaining, as the Herons were awarded another penalty stroke. However, the attempted went wide left and Messiah maintained its two-goal cushion.

William Smith continued pushing forward and almost cracked through with 6:20 remaining. The Herons got through on a one-on-one with Messiah goaltender Renee Herbster, but the first-year came up big with a save. Two ensuing penalty corners followed and the Falcon defense eventually cleared the ball from its end.

Senior Sue Jordan (Boothbay/Boothbay, Maine) had 15 saves on the day, while Herbster finished with 10 saves.

William Smith concludes its season with a 17-4 record, marking its 21st consecutive winning season.

Back to William Smith Field Hockey