POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – Powered by three second-half goals, the William Smith College defeated Vassar College by a 4-1 margin in Liberty League women's soccer action on Saturday afternoon. The win moves the Herons to 13-1-1 overall and 8-0 in league play. The Brewers are now 8-5-1 with a 3-3-1 Liberty League record.

The Herons got on the board quickly to open the game as senior midfielder Amanda Adams stole the ball off a Vassar defender at the top of the box, firing it into the right corner past Brewers keeper Claire Mackenzie in the 8th minute.

It wasn't until the second half the scoring picked up on both sides, beginning with the visitors as they took a 2-0 lead in the 47th minute. Sophomore midfielder Ava Ruppersberger started the play, taking a hard shot in on Mackenzie that was saved. The ball ricocheted back into play as senior forward Sheila McQuillen dropped it in for the two-goal lead.

The Herons made it a 3-0 advantage in the 52nd minute off a Vassar clear in their zone. As the goalie kicked it out, senior middie Merilyn Hinrichs headed it down. The ball tipped off a Vassar defender, but Hinrichs quickly corralled it, taking a few steps to the top before rifling it into the back of the net.

Vassar answered with a goal of their own less than a minute later on the first collegiate goal for rookie defender Riley Lipman. Junior midfielder Violet Munnelly earned the assist as her free kick from the near side sailed in and was headed up and over by Lipman in front of the goal.

William Smith went on to add their fourth tally in the 76th minute after Hinrichs sent up a quick pass to the top of the box. Senior forward Julia Keogh one-touched it in the air, sending it into the left corner for the 4-1 advantage.

Vassar returns to the pitch on Wednesday when it hosts Rensselaer at 3pm on Gordon Field. The Herons are back in action next Saturday, traveling to St. Lawrence for a 2pm tilt.