The 11th-ranked William Smith soccer team scored a goal in each half as they defeated ninth-ranked Washington and Lee 2-0 in an NCAA tournament third-round game at Scranton University’s Weiss Field. With the win, the Herons advance to the quarterfinal round for the fifth time in the last six seasons. Senior Marjorie Plants and junior Ruth Hotalingscored for William Smith. Senior Kirsten Nelsonplayed all 90 mintues in goal. She made six saves as she recorded her 10th shutout of the season. Abby Groff started in goal for Washington and Leen. She made five saves in just under 74 minutes in goal. Kate McEnroe played the final 16 minutes and made one save. FOR THE RECORD:
- William Smith is now 15-3-4 overall.The Generals finished the season with a 20-2-1 overall record.
- Both teams finished the game with 10 shots.The Herons had 6 corner kicks and the Generals had 5.
- Plants nearly opened the scoring in the 31st minute. Groff made the stop, but the ball slipped through her fingers and bounced off of the crossbar.Plants converted in the in the 44th minute. She fired a shot from outside the 18-yard box under the crossbar. It was her sixth goal of the season.William Smith took a 2-0 lead in the 49th minute. Junior Ruth Hotaling tucked a centering pass from Moira van der Putt into the right corner of the cage. It was Hotaling’s sixth goal of the year.Washington and Lee nearly broke up the shutout bid in the 72nd minute, but Nelson dove to her left to make the save.In the 85th minute, Nelson punched a shot from Sophie Berman over the crossbar.
UP NEXT
William Smith advances to the quarterfinals of the NCAA tournament. The Herons will take on either Trinity (Texas) or Scranton tomorrow at 3 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].