No. 1 William Smith Blanks Worcester State 5-0 at NCAA Tournament

GENEVA, N.Y. - No. 1 William Smith blanked visiting Worcester State, 5-0, Saturday in an NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Championship First Round matchup at Cozzens Field. The Herons (19-0) will face the winner of the Trinity-WPI game tomorrow at 1:00 p.m.

The Lancers were on defense for most of the first half. Despite a number of interrupted plays and blocks, led by sophomore Nicole Gifford (Rochester, Mass.) and senior Nicole Parenteau (Chicopee, Mass.), the Herons enjoyed a 2-0 lead at the break. Sophomore Megan Richard (Southwick, Mass.) corralled a feed from junior Cailin MacLean (Richmond, Va.) and found the lower left of the net from just inside the box in the 25th minute. Junior Lauren Kogelmann (Slingerlands, N.Y.) collected the ball 14 minutes later and placed the ball in the top left corner.

William Smith quickly doubled its advantage less just over four minutes into the second half behind goals by seniors Kara Shue (Fairport, N.Y.) and Brie Ruane (Roslyn Harbor, N.Y.). Junior Theresa Lohr (Durhamville, N.Y.) was credited with an assist on the fourth Heron goal of the contest. Senior Lauren Randaccio (Williamsville, N.Y.) made it 5-0 in the 62nd.

Senior Vanessa O'Donnell (Worcester, Mass.) totaled five saves and junior Ashleigh Howland (Wilmington, Mass.) accounted for the lone Worcester State shot and shot on goal.

William Smith sophomore Veronica Romines (San Diego, Calif.) only had to make one save. As a team, the Herons had advantages in both shots (22-1) and corner kicks (19-0).

Worcester State concludes its campaign with a 9-7-2 record.

NOTES:

Worcester State blanked then-No. 5 William Smith 2-0 in the only other meeting, which happened to be a first round contest in 2007.

The Lancers are now 3-6-1 in seven NCAA appearances