GENEVA, N.Y. – An early hot start by No. 7 William Smith was too much for the Skidmore College women's soccer team, falling by a 5-1 score in the Liberty League opener for both teams Saturday afternoon.
 
The Thoroughbreds fall to 2-5 and 0-1 in league play, while William Smith, the seventh-ranked team in the latest United Soccer Coaches Division III National polls, improves to 6-1 (1-0).
 
The Herons pulled away with four first-half goals. Evie Manning scored first for the Herons in the 17th minute, with Megan Bartwick doubling the score three minutes later. A pair of goals 14 minutes apart by Caitlin MacLean and Elizabeth Moore brought the score to 4-0 in the 38th minute.
 
The Thoroughbreds got on the board on a penalty kick opportunity by junior midfielder Emily Mendes in the 71st minute, before William Smith tacked on one more in the 77th.
 
William Smith outshot the Thoroughbreds, 25-4. Senior Alyssa Rollins made seven saves in the contest.
 
The Thoroughbreds continue their road trip with a matchup at Clarkson, Tuesday at 4 p.m.