Box Score

Geneva, N.Y.-- The 10th-ranked William Smith College soccer team defeated Skidmore College 2-1 in a Liberty League semifinal game played at Cozzens Field this afternoon. The Herons improve to 14-2-2..

Skidmore, the No. 4 seed in the Liberty League tournament, falls to 10-5-3 on the year. Top-seeded William Smith will take on the No. 2 seed, Vassar in the championship game. Vassar defeated third-seeded Hamilton, 3-2 in overtime this afternoon in the other semifinal game. The Herons will look to capture their fourth straight league title.

William Smith controlled the first half out-shooting Skidmore, 10-0. Senior BreLynn Nasypany put the Herons up 1-0 in the 12th minute. Junior Jamie Sawyer sent a pass ahead to Nasypany who broke through the Skidmore defense for a one-on-one with the goalie. Nasypany placed a shot out of reach of the Thoroughbred keeper for her 17th goal of the season.

Junior Jessie Tarantino added to the William Smith lead in the 36th minute. Her unassisted goal from 12 yards out was her second of the season, and put the Herons up 2-0.

Skidmore fought back in the second half, and broke through in the 67th minute when freshman Christine Bellotti scored to make it a 2-1 game. Sophomore Kelsey Yam sent a crossing pass from the left side to Bellotti who fired a shot into the back of the net from right in front of the goal. It was her sixth goal of the season. The Thoroughbreds out-shot the Herons 8-4 in the second half, but could not find the equalizer.

Junior goalie Amanda Davis played all 90 minutes in goal for William Smith and made three saves. Junior Meghan Sleezer played the opening 41:36 in goal for Skidmore and stopped one shot. Freshman Gab Lawrence came in to play the final 48:24 and finished with two saves. The Thoroughbreds held a 7-2 advantage in corner kicks.