NEW LONDON, CONN.-The William Smith College ice hockey team was edged by ninth-ranked Connecticut College 1-0 in non-conference action at Dayton Arena this afternoon. The Herons are now 7-1-2 on the year.
Senior Maggie Salmon matched her season-high with 36 saves in goal for William Smith. Elena Gualtieri scored the goal for the Camels (5-2-1).
The game remained scoreless through the opening 20 minutes. Connecticut College controlled a majority of the offensive zone time, outshooting the Herons 10-3. William Smith’s defense blocked an additional nine shots in the opening period.
Gualtieri scored the game’s lone goal at 8:59 of the second period. She banged home a rebound on the right post. Salmon stopped the two original shots but could not smother the puck for a whistle. Lily Connolly and Olivia Good were credited with assists on the goal. Salmon stopped the other 16 shots she faced in the period.
William Smith had their scoring opportunities but could not solve Bailey Mertz, who stopped all 11 shots she faced in Connecticut College’s goal.
The Herons came away empty on their four power-play opportunities while Connecticut College was 1-for-5 with the extra attacker. William Smith finished the game with 14 total blocked shots.
Today’s game marked the first time the Herons have been held without a goal since Nov. 13, 2016, a 4-0 loss to Utica.
William Smith and Connecticut College will be back in action again tomorrow afternoon at Dayton Arena. The game is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m.
