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William Smith holds on for victory over Hamilton
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Nicki Traino |
April 15, 2003
GENEVA, N.Y.—William Smith College scored five goals in the opening 20 minutes and held on for a 5-4 victory over Hamilton College in UCAA lacrosse action this afternoon at AstroTurf Stadium. The Herons improve to 8-2 overall and 5-0 in the UCAA, while the Continentals drop to 4-5 overall and 3-2 in the league.
Junior attacker Nicki Traino (West Genesee/Syracuse, N.Y.) opened scoring off an assist from classmate Gretchen Lasda (West Genesee/Camillus, N.Y.) 8:25 into the first half. Three minutes later Ali Herter (Brooks School/Topsfield, Mass.) made it 2-0 with her third goal of the season and Traino added her second score of the game 22 seconds later to give the Herons a three-point edge.
Hamilton broke into the scoring column with 14:56 remaining in the opening stanza on a shot by Molly Plummer (St. Mark’s School/Westwood, Mass.). Traino responded with her third goal of the game just 49 seconds after that, putting the Herons ahead 4-1. Senior Megan Shea (Mountain Lakes/Doylestown, Pa.) and Lasda made it a four-point game by connecting for another score at the 10:03 mark.
Appearing as though the Herons had the game under control, Hamilton picked up its defensive effort and cut the lead to three with 2:02 left in the half on a goal from Meghan Blair (Champlain Valley Union/Williston, Vt.).
Playing stifling defense in the second half, the Continentals shut down a William Smith offense that averages over 13 goals per game, while scoring twice to make it a 5-4 game with 8:04 left to play. The Herons were only able to get five shots off in the second half, but their tough defense down the stretch preserved the 5-4 victory.
Junior goaltender Becca Splain (Middlebury Union/Middlebury, Vt.) was solid in goal, stopping 11 shots, lowering her goals against average to 5.20 for the season. Hamilton goalie Nicole Cheatle (St. Anne’s-Belfield/Culpeper, Va.) gave a strong performance as well, making 10 saves, including six on free position shots.
The Herons return to action on April 19, when they travel to the University of Rochester. The draw is slated for 1 p.m.