The silence in the locker room told the whole story. Twenty young women sat with their heads down, still processing what had just happened on the ice at Alumni Arena. After battling for over 62 minutes, giving everything they had against a powerhouse opponent, William Smith hockey had come up just short in a heartbreaking 2-1 overtime loss to Cortland.
For goaltender Mia Iwicki, who had just made 47 saves in what might have been the performance of her career, the sting was particularly sharp. “You play your heart out, make save after save, and sometimes it’s just not enough,” she would later reflect. That’s the brutal beauty of college hockey – where one moment can define an entire season.
This wasn’t just another game. This was a pivotal SUNYAC conference matchup that could shape playoff positioning, and every player, coach, and fan in attendance knew it.
When David Nearly Beat Goliath
The William Smith hockey team entered Saturday’s contest knowing they faced an uphill battle. Cortland arrived in Geneva with a 14-5-4 record and had been dominating SUNYAC play with an 8-2-2 conference mark. The Red Dragons were expected to control the game from start to finish.
Instead, they got the fight of their lives from a Herons squad that refused to back down. William Smith opened the scoring just 7:28 into the first period when fortune smiled on them – a clearing attempt deflected off the boards and found its way into the net, crediting first-year player Finley Crosby with her sixth goal of the season.
“Sometimes you need those lucky bounces to stay competitive with teams like Cortland,” noted one longtime SUNYAC observer. “William Smith took that early gift and ran with it.”
The goal energized the home crowd and gave the Herons something they desperately needed – confidence that they could hang with one of the conference’s elite teams. For nearly 53 minutes of game time, that confidence held strong.
The Numbers Behind a Heroic Effort
While William Smith hockey ultimately fell short, the statistics tell the story of an absolutely remarkable defensive effort. Despite being outshot by an overwhelming 49-16 margin, the Herons managed to keep the game tied through regulation thanks to several key factors:
| Category | William Smith | Cortland |
|---|---|---|
| Shots on Goal | 16 | 49 |
| Saves (Iwicki) | 47 | 15 |
| Blocked Shots | 14 | Not Available |
| Power Play | 0-for-1 | Not Available |
| Penalties | 0 | 1 |
Mia Iwicki’s performance between the pipes was nothing short of spectacular. The William Smith goaltender faced a relentless barrage of shots, including 19 in the third period alone, yet managed to keep her team in the game until the final moments.
The Herons’ defensive discipline also deserves recognition. Playing their first penalty-free game since January 25, 2025, William Smith showed remarkable composure under pressure. They blocked 14 shots and consistently disrupted Cortland’s offensive rhythm.
- Iwicki’s 47 saves marked a season-high performance
- The Herons successfully killed their only penalty
- William Smith outworked Cortland in blocked shots despite being heavily outshot
- Crosby’s goal was her sixth of the season, showing promise for the first-year player
“When you’re facing that many shots, you need everyone buying into the defensive system,” explained a former college hockey coach familiar with SUNYAC play. “William Smith did exactly that for 60 minutes.”
What This Loss Means Moving Forward
The overtime defeat drops William Smith hockey to 11-12-0 overall and 7-5-0 in crucial SUNYAC conference play. While the loss stings, there are several silver linings that could benefit the Herons as they push toward the postseason.
First, this game proved that William Smith can compete with the conference’s top teams. Cortland entered the matchup as heavy favorites, yet needed overtime to secure the victory. That kind of confidence-building performance can be invaluable down the stretch.
Cortland’s game-winner came just over two minutes into overtime when Hayley Hunter finished a rush with a wrist shot that found its way over Iwicki’s blocker. Carlen Bertrand, who had tied the game late in the second period with a slot shot under the crossbar, assisted on the winner to complete a strong individual performance.
For William Smith hockey fans, the immediate concern shifts to playoff positioning. The Herons remain in solid SUNYAC standing at 7-5-0, but every remaining conference game carries significant weight. The team that showed such heart and determination against Cortland will need to channel that same energy into their final regular season contests.
“You can’t be disappointed with that effort,” noted one longtime William Smith supporter. “Sometimes you play the perfect game and still lose. That’s hockey.”
The Herons’ penalty-free performance also suggests improved discipline and focus – qualities that will serve them well in high-pressure situations moving forward. When you combine that with Iwicki’s proven ability to steal games in net, William Smith hockey has the pieces to make some noise in the SUNYAC tournament.
Looking ahead, the team will need to find more offensive consistency to complement their defensive improvements. While 16 shots against a quality opponent isn’t necessarily cause for concern, generating more scoring chances could take pressure off their goaltender in future contests.
The loss to Cortland, while painful, demonstrated that William Smith hockey has the heart, skill, and determination to compete at the highest level of SUNYAC play. Sometimes that has to be enough to build on.
FAQs
How many saves did Mia Iwicki make in the game?
Iwicki made 47 saves in the overtime loss, including 19 in the third period alone.
What was significant about William Smith’s penalty situation?
The Herons played penalty-free hockey, marking their first game without a penalty since January 25, 2025.
Who scored William Smith’s only goal?
First-year player Finley Crosby was credited with the goal after a clearing attempt deflected off the boards and into the net.
What are William Smith’s current standings?
William Smith hockey is now 11-12-0 overall and 7-5-0 in SUNYAC conference play.
How did Cortland win the game?
Hayley Hunter scored the overtime winner just over two minutes into the extra period with a wrist shot over Iwicki’s blocker.
What was the shot differential in the game?
Cortland held a commanding 49-16 advantage in shots on goal, making Iwicki’s performance even more impressive.
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