| 10/22/2002 6:24:27 PM

GENEVA, N.Y.—The William Smith College soccer team scored two first half goals on its way to a 3-1 victory over RIT in a non-conference match. The Herons, ranked 14th in the latest national poll, improve to 10-2-3 on the season.

William Smith dominated the first half, registering seven shots against RIT and surrendering none. The Herons got on board in the 12th minute of play, when senior forward Alyson Stachura (Pittsford Sutherland/Pittsford, N.Y.) put first-year Steph Gridley’s (Auburn/Auburn, N.Y.) slotted cross into the back of the net. Just over ten minutes later, junior Arin Belden’s (Warsaw/Warsaw, N.Y.) cross from the end line was knocked into the goal by a Tiger defender to give the Herons a 2-0 lead.

The game was much more even in the second half with the Tigers holding a 5-3 shot advantage. RIT cut William Smith’s lead in half in the 59th minute when Melanie Lowe (Kingston, Jamaica/Northfield Mount Hermon) (Northfield-Mt. Hermon/Kingston, Jamaica) capitalized on a defensive mistake, shooting the ball past William Smith goalie Leah Cornwell (Wheatland-Chili/Scottsville, N.Y.).

However, the Herons regained their two-goal advantage in the 69th minute when senior Kristin Falzarano(Swampscott/Swampscott, Mass.) scored her fifth goal of the season to assure a William Smith victory.

Cornwell went the distance for the Herons, making three saves, while RIT goalie Christie Brewer (Seneca Falls, N.Y./Burnt Hills) (Burnt Hills/Seneca Falls, N.Y.) pulled in four saves on the afternoon.

The Tigers close out the regular season at Roberts Wesleyan on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m.

RIT's postseason chances rely on the result of the Hartwick at Elmira game on Saturday, Nov. 2. Elmira is currently tied with the Tigers with nine points in league play, however RIT holds the tiebreaker over Elmira with a 2-1 victory at Elmira earlier this year. An Elmira loss would give the Tigers fourth place in the Empire 8 and a berth in the E8 final four championship Nov. 8-9.