Box Score

GENEVA, N.Y. – The Cabrini women's soccer season came to a close today, as the Cavaliers fell to No. 3 William Smith College 5-0 in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.  The Blue and White closed its season with an overall record of 12-4-5.  The loss snaps Cabrini's 12 match unbeaten streak and sends the club to its first defeat since September 14, a span of over two months.

Today's loss also closes the careers of the Cavaliers' seniors, Noelle DiCioccio, Bethany Feinberg, MaryKate McCann, Laureen Pallister, Breaghann Smith and Bree Thompson.  As a group, the ladies combined for 48 points on 16 goals and 16 assists.

The class has led the Blue and White to one of its most successful periods in program history.  During their four years, Cabrini won 48 games, including a 32-5-6 record in Colonial States Athletic Conference matches.  The ladies also became the second program in conference history to capture three consecutive conference championships, raising the trophy in 2011, 2013 and 2013.

Looking for its first NCAA Tournament victory, the Cavaliers took the field this morning with confidence and aggressiveness.  The Blue and White had one defensive breakdown in the seventh minute and the Herons took advantage, taking a 1-0 lead.

Cabrini held tight, trailing by just one goal after 45 minutes of action.  Though the Herons built an 8-4 advantage in shots during the opening half, the Cavaliers were creating scoring chances but could not find the right scoring combination.

In the 60th minute, it looked as if the Herons would double their lead, as a Cabrini penalty led to a penalty kick.  While the penalty kick went wide, William Smith continued to pressure the Blue and White defense.  In the 68th minute, the Herons broke through with their second goal of the day.  

William Smith took advantage of its renewed confidence, tallying four goals in a span of 8:11 to extend its lead.    The Herons outshot the Cavaliers 16-2 after the halftime break.

Freshman Marissa Jenkins recorded a career high 12 saves on the day, including nine in the second half, many coming on breakaway opportunities and point blank shots.

Junior Melissa Scanzano and sophomore Devon Miller recorded two shots each for the Blue and White, while sophomore Meghan Martin posted Cabrini's only shot on goal.

Dineo Mmutla led the No. 3 Herons (18-1) with a goal and an assist.  William Smith has now won 18 consecutive matches, including 16 straight shutouts.

The Herons advance to Sunday's second round, where they will face the winner of Saturday's second match between Farmingdale State and SUNY Oneonta.