Box Score

GENEVA, N.Y. - Sophomore Sara Rothschild scored the game's first goal, but the second-ranked William Smith women's soccer team came back with a pair of second half goals to defeat Rensselaer, 2-1, this afternoon in Liberty League play. With the win the Herons improve to 9-0-1 overall and 3-0-0 in the league, while the Engineers fall to 3-6-1 and 1-2-0 in conference play.

Rensselaer opened the scoring in the 21st minute, taking advantage of a miscue by the William Smith defense. Senior goalie Amanda Davis misplayed a ball right to Rothchild, who converted a chip shot for a 1-0 lead. The goal stopped the Herons' shutout streak at 851:36 and was the first goal they allowed this season.

William Smith's best chance to break the scoring column in the first half was a penalty kick in the 41st minute, but RPI goalie Stephanie Vargas made the save to preserve the lead.

William Smith trailed at halftime, despite holding an 8-4 lead in shots and a 3-0 edge in corner kicks.

After the break, the Herons extended their lead in shots, eventually breaking through in the 65th minute. Junior Whitney Frary used a backheel pass to set up Kate Redmond's strike that evened the match. Fifteen minutes later, senior Leah Shatkin converted a penalty kick for the game-winner.

Davis earned the victory with three saves, while Vargas finished the day with six stops.

William Smith will be back in action at 4 p.m. on Oct. 5, when the Herons travel to RIT. The Engineers will return to the pitch on Oct. 4, when they visit Middlebury.