William Smith's field hockey season ended Tuesday with a 3-0 loss at Rochester in the first round of the Liberty League tournament.
Hannah Mehta scored twice and assisted on the third goal as the fourth-seeded Yellowjackets advanced to Friday's semifinal at top-seeded RPI, according to Hobart and William Smith Athletics. The fifth-seeded Herons finished 9-11, while Rochester improved to 13-6.
Rochester converts its scoring chances
William Smith generated the first two shots and threatened on an early penalty corner. Mia Batchelder's attempt from the top of the circle was blocked in the fourth minute. Early in the second quarter, Rochester goalkeeper Riley Leeser stopped Ava Vecchione after another Herons corner.
Rochester took the lead at 19:51 on its first penalty corner. Mehta passed to Kristina Fedorova, received the return pass and scored from the top of the circle. Abigail Mantione had a chance to tie it in the 24th minute, but Leeser made the save to preserve the 1-0 halftime lead.
The Yellowjackets opened the second half with consecutive penalty corners. Mehta scored her second goal at 38:42, moving between two defenders and beating Olivia Terranova with a shot into the upper part of the goal.
Grayson Honig made it 3-0 at 47:07, deflecting Mehta's shot into the net following another Rochester penalty corner. Batchelder and Mantione had late attempts as William Smith pushed for a goal, but the Herons could not break through.
Rochester held an 8-7 edge in shots and a 6-3 advantage in shots on goal. Each team earned four penalty corners and made three saves.
Batchelder led William Smith with three shots. Mantione had two, including one on target, while Vecchione and Eliza Freeland each put their lone attempt on goal. Terranova played all 60 minutes and finished the season with a 9-8 record.
Four seniors finish their careers
Head coach Sophie Riskie credited her team's early possession and performance despite the result, saying Rochester finished its chances with powerful shots.
Riskie also thanked the team's four seniors for their leadership and contributions during a season in which the Herons faced adversity.
Elle Oberfield, Leah Griffith, Kylee Knuschke and Vecchione finished their William Smith careers with a combined team record of 44-41. They helped the program win its 13th Liberty League championship in 2023 and return to the NCAA tournament for the 24th time.
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