The William Smith hockey team dropped a 3-1 non-conference decision to Elmira on Friday evening at The Cooler. The Herons moved to 7-7-0 on the season, while the Soaring Eagles, who are receiving votes in the USCHO.com poll, improved to 8-3-1.
Senior Kelly Howe provided the lone goal for William Smith, while junior goaltender Mia Iwicki turned in a strong performance in net, stopping 34 shots in 59 minutes of action. Elmira’s Anna Lugge scored twice to pace the visitors, and Olivia Last earned the win in goal with 22 saves.
Elmira controlled much of the opening period, holding a 14-6 advantage in shots and hitting two posts, but Iwicki kept the game scoreless with several key saves. William Smith generated more pressure in the second period and finished with a 12-10 edge in shots, but the Soaring Eagles broke through just two minutes into the frame. Lugge capitalized on her own rebound at the left post to open the scoring.
The Herons tied the game early in the third period when Howe collected a loose puck in the slot and slipped a shot past Last at 6:04. Elmira responded quickly, regaining the lead just over a minute later on a breakaway goal by Maura O’Keeffe. Lugge sealed the outcome at 12:09 of the third period, fighting off a defender and scoring her second goal of the night.
Elmira finished with a 37-23 edge in shots, while William Smith went 1-for-4 on the power play and held the Soaring Eagles scoreless on two man-advantage opportunities.
William Smith returns to action on Saturday, traveling to Elmira’s Murray Athletic Center for a 6 p.m. puck drop.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].