Ruth Hotaling’s first-half strike powered William Smith soccer to a 1-0 Liberty League victory over Ithaca on Wednesday afternoon at Cozzens Field.
Hotaling, a senior, netted her league-leading seventh goal of the season in the 41st minute, chipping a shot over Ithaca goalkeeper Katrina Varnum after receiving a pass from Casey Holstein. It proved to be the difference in a match defined by momentum swings.
The Herons struggled early, outshot 12-0 in the opening 40 minutes. But they regrouped at halftime, outshooting the Bombers 14-2 the rest of the way and controlling all seven of the game’s corner kicks. Hotaling nearly added a second goal in the 60th and 69th minutes, but Varnum kept Ithaca within reach with a series of strong saves.
On the other end, junior goalkeeper Antonia Goerke was sharp, tying her career high with eight saves to post her sixth shutout of the year.
With the win, William Smith improves to 6-2-2 overall and 2-1-0 in Liberty League play. Ithaca drops to 3-4-2 and 0-2-0 in the conference.
The Herons return to action Saturday, October 4, hosting Clarkson at 2 p.m. during Homecoming and Family Weekend.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].