HARRISBURG, Pa.- William Smith College ice hockey first-year Abbey Luth recorded the first hat trick in program history as the Herons defeated Lebanon Valley 5-1 in United Collegiate Hockey Conference action this afternoon. With the win, the Herons are now 5-0-0 overall on the season and 3-0-0 in conference play.
Luth recorded a natural hat trick, scoring three times in the third period. Senior Stephanie Hampton and junior Gina Scibetta also finished the game with three points (1g, 2a). Sophomore Olivia Williams made five saves in goal for the Herons. Olivia Cindrich scored for the Dutchmen (2-5-0, 1-4-0). Jillian Moffat made 54 saves in goal for Lebanon Valley.
Scibetta opened the scoring for William Smith at the 10:17 mark of the first period. She one-timed a shot from the left faceoff circle past Moffat for her fifth goal of the season. Hampton was credited with an assist on the goal. Hampton added a goal three minutes later. Her fifth goal of the season proved to be the eventual game-winner. Scibetta and sophomore Lexi Nottke were credited with assists on the goal.
After a scoreless second period, Cindrich made it 2-1 at 10:45 of the third period. Rachel Havrylkoff was credited with an assist on the goal.
Luth scored the game’s final three goals to complete the hat trick. At 11:58 of the third, she picked up her own rebound and flipped a shot past Moffatt. First-year Emma Duffey and senior Laura Rollins notched assists on the goal. Ninety seconds later, she collected a pass in the slot fired a shot into the back of the net. Senior Jordan Roetzer was credited with an assist on the goal after forcing a turnover in the offensive zone. Luth completed the hat trick with a power-play goal with 31 seconds remaining in regulation. Her team-leading sixth goal of the season was assisted by Scibetta and Hampton.
William Smith finished the game with a 59-6 edge in shots. The Herons were 2-for-9 on the power play while Lebanon Valley was 0-for 5 with the extra skater.
William Smith and Lebanon Valley will complete the season series tomorrow afternoon. Faceoff at The GIANT Center is scheduled for 2 p.m.
