November 29, 2002

GENEVA, N.Y.—The William Smith College soccer team gave up two goals in the opening nine minutes on its way to a 3-0 loss to Ohio Wesleyan University in the Division III Semifinals. The Herons end their season with a 17-4-3 record, while the Battling Bishops improved to 23-0-0 on the season, increasing their NCAA record winning streak to 44 games.

Playing in frigid and snowy conditions both teams attacked early. Ohio Wesleyan got on the board in just the third minute of the game when Sarah Wall’s (Upper Arlington/Columbus, Ohio) shot from 18 yards out got caught in the wind and curved past the reach of Heron goalie Leah Cornwell (Wheatland-Chili/Scottsville, N.Y.). Just three minute later, William Smith had a great opportunity to tie the game, but senior Alyson Stachura (Pittsford Sutherland/Pittsford, N.Y.) mis-hit the ball sending it wide left of the goal.

In the ninth minute junior Erika Howland (Mariemont/Terrace Park, Ohio) made the score 2-0 when she received a pass from Wall on the right side of the box sending it past the keeper with a shot to the right corner of the net. William Smith continued to attack firing five shots in the rest of the opening period, but was unable to capitalize on any chances.

Just two minutes into the second session, Ohio Wesleyan put the game away for good when senior Emily Bayer (Medina/Medina, Ohio) finished a slotted ball from Howland to put the Bishops up by three.

The Herons outshot Ohio Wesleyan 15 to nine but were unable to get past a defense that has allowed only four goals all season. Cornwell had no saves in the 90 minutes, while OWU goalies Mindy Hammond (St. Francis DeSales/Columbus, Ohio) and Tiffany Soggs (North Royalton/North Royalton, Ohio) combined for eight saves on the day.

The Battling Bishops advance to the NCAA Championship match against Messiah College on Nov. 30 at noon, where they will attempt to successfully defend their 2001 national championship.

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