William Smith Ends Saint Season, 4-0 in Liberty Semifinals
by:
Tara FreemanElena Rogers and her senior classmates played their final game at William Smith Wednesday
St. Lawrence University's second trip to the Liberty League tournament in the last four years ended just like the first one did...with a loss to top-seeded William Smith on the Heron's home field.
William Smith, ranked second nationally, scored the game's first goal 19:30 into the first half following a corner kick and then added three in the second half for a 4-0 victory, advancing to host the Liberty League championship against the winner of the RIT-Skidmore semifinal game.
St. Lawrence ends its season 8-6-3 overall.
"Our performance in the first half today was absolutely outstanding," said Saint coach Franco Bari. "While I was slightly disappointed with the second half, it wasn't for lack of effort on our part. The team put a lot of heart in its performance and I am proud of the effort all season long.
"Our seniors have a lot to be proud of and can hold their heads high after this season. They have built a solid foundation for the future of our program," Bari added.
Kelsey Hill opened the scoring for the Herons, converting from the left side following g a corner kick from Dineo Mmutla at 19:30. Mmutla then scored her seventh of the season off a short pass in front from Renee Jensen, scoring from point blank range six minutes into the second and she made it a 3-0 game with her second of the game and eighth of the year on a hard shot from the top of the box at 63:34.
Krista Longo completed the scoring when she gathered in a loose ball following a goal kick and converted before Saint goalie Abby van Geldern could get back into position.
William Smith outshot the Saints 20-4 and had ten corner kicks to two for SLU. Two William Smith goalies did not have to make a save in the game while vanGeldern finished with four stops for the Saints.