November 23, 2002

NORTON, Mass.--William Smith and Wheaton played 110 minutes of scoreless soccer before the Herons finally edged the host Lyons, 5-4 on penalty kicks in the NCAA Division III Quarterfinal at Keefe Field. Improving to 17-3-3 on the season, William Smith will face Ohio Wesleyan on Nov. 29. The location of the semifinal and championship games, as well as start times, will be announced on Monday.

Heron senior Maria Paoff (East Syracuse-Minoa/East Syracuse, N.Y.) collected the game-winning goal in the shootout, placing the ball past the diving effort of Lyon goalie Jessica Broomhead and into the bottom right corner of the net.

Wheaton and William Smith each converted on their first two attempts. The Lyons missed the cage with thier third try and senior Alyson Stachura (Pittsford Sutherland/Pittsford, N.Y.) converted to give the visitors a 3-2 advantage with two rounds remaining.

Wheaton sandwiched good shots around a true PK by sophomore Debbie Minarick (Wayne Valley/Wayne, N.J.), setting up Paoff's dramatic finish.

During regulation play, Wheaton had several scoring opportunities, but often times the Lyons saw their shots sail high or wide of the goal. Outshooting William Smith, 19-7 for the contest and 9-3 in the opening half, Wheaton was unable to capitalize on its chances.

Led by Cornwell and the stiffling defense of Amy Pendergast (East Syracuse-Minoa/East Syracuse, N.Y.), Jenn Tibbens (Sherburne-Earlville/Sherburne, N.Y.), Seraphine Hamilton (The Peddie School/Trenton, N.J.), and Pria Young (Council Rock/Richboro, Pa.), William Smith was able to keep Wheaton's offensive attack in check. Cornwell finished the contest with nine saves.

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