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Herons win Liberty League Tournament
November 4, 2006
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Sophie Dennis netted the game-winning
goal to clinch the Liberty League Championship. |
GENEVA, N.Y.—The William Smith College field hockey team defeated St. Lawrence in the championship game of the Liberty League Tournament this afternoon on McCooey Field. The Herons earn a berth to the NCAA Tournament with the win, and hold a 16-3 overall record. The Saints drop to 11-6. The NCAA Tournament field will be determined late on Sunday.
The Herons struck first, with senior Katelin Nickerson (Yarmouth/Yarmouth, Maine) scoring her first career goal in the 13th minute to give William Smith a 1-0 lead. Classmate Sophie Dennis (Dana L. West/Port Byron, N.Y.) went on to net what would become the game-winning goal with just over 10 minutes left in the first half. The goal was Dennis’ 27th of the year.
The Saints held William Smith scoreless in the second half, but could not capitalize. Senior Patty Ball (Exeter/Exeter, N.H.) connected in the 45th minute off an assist from classmate Saeger Philpot (Kimball Union/Gilmanton, N.H.) to cut William Smith’s lead to one, but the Saints would come no closer.
Sophomore goalkeeper Katie DeKraker (Staples/Westport, Conn.) finished with three saves for William Smith, while junior Lindsey Taylor (Rutland/Rutland, Vt.) stopped five for St. Lawrence.