WILLIAMSTOWN, MASS. -- A goal in the first period and a second in the third period lifted Williams (4-2/2-2 NESCAC) to a 2-0 shutout win over the William Smith Herons (3-9-1/2-5-1 NEHC). Williams goalie
Chloe Heiting recorded her second shutout of the season with stellar saves all night.
Two huge milestones were accomplished tonight with goalie
Chloe Heiting moving into sole possession of third all-time wins (31) in program history and senior captain
Meghan Halloran sole possession of fourth all-time for scoring with her goal (48).
Back to back power plays for William Smith put Williams down two players for the first few minutes of the game from two interference penalties. However, the Ephs stayed strong on the penalty kill, with goaltender
Chloe Heiting denying the Herons' shots.
"The penalty kill had to be ready to go right away," said Eph head coach
Meghan Gillis, "Killing off that five-on-three early in the game was huge."
The Ephs controlled the puck throughout the first period generating pressure on offense. Gillis said, "We tried to do a good job of creating some chances in front of the net, but they did a great job of playing a net front game."
A third power play opportunity gave William Smith offensive chances. The Herons fired shots on Heiting, but she denied their attempts. Williams' defense played controlled, looking to block up the Herons' passes and stop any scoring attempts.
A Willliam Smith player went into the box for a hooking call giving Williams their first power play for the night. With a player up, Williams scored their first goal of the game. Robin Kitazano gave a cross ice pass to
Brynn Puppe who took a one-timer.
Ellia Chiang received the rebound and knocked it past the Heron goalie Erin Murray with just a minute left to go in the period.
"It was a nice pass from Robin to Brynn, and Ellia was right on the doorstep to put the rebound home" noted Gillis.
The game became a 4-on-4, when both a Williams and William Smith player went in the penalty box.
Ellia Chiang came in quickly off the start of the penalty testing Murray,but was unable to get it to the back of the net.
Heiting continued to make good saves in the second period. The Herons Emily Rourke had a good look at Heiting, but she was able to make a glove save.
Despite the Ephs energy on offense, Erin Murray was a tough opponent. The Williams offense tried to get creative skating around the offensive zone testing Murray at different angles. They connected on passes and created chances in front of the net. However, they could not find an opening between Murray and the net in the second period.
Four minutes into the third period,
Avery Dunn cleared the puck from the neutral zone and looked to the center for
Meghan Halloran who scored giving the Ephs a 2-0 lead.
The team's seniors spearheaded the win. "All the seniors in those moments where it's a one-nothing game aren't panicking, and making the simple plays...they are really a calming presence out there," Gillis said.
Two William Smith players broke away into the Ephs end for a two-on one. Heiting made an important save to keep the Herons scoreless.
"Heiting is third all time in wins for a reason. She was huge in key moments tonight." said Gillis. "She was square to the puck, making it look simple. That keeps us in the game and gives us a chance to win."
In the last minute of the game, William Smith pulled their goalie for a final attempt to score. Williams was able to kill the clock and keep the Herons from scoring.
The Ephs rounded out the night with 41 shots on goal. The Herons challenged Heiting with 27 shots on net.. Williams goalie
Chloe Heiting shutout William Smith, turning away all their 27 shots. William Smith goaltender Murray saved 39shots.
The Ephs will play William Smith again at Lansing Chapman Rink at 4pm tomorrow afternoon.
