UTICA, NY- The Utica College women's hockey team suffered its first UCHC Conference loss of the season as it fell to William Smith College 1-0 Friday afternoon.
 
Despite Utica getting the first good chances of the game, it was William Smith which struck first as Laura Hill netted the game's opening goal at 5:06 of the first period.  Hill took a rebound off a Utica shot and skated down the right side.  Hill fired a shot from just below the top of the right faceoff circle that went under the arm of Utica goalie Bria Reilly (Hamden, CT/Brewster Academy) and in for her second of the season.
 
Utica's best opportunity came at the beginning of the second period as it had a 5-on-3 power play for 1:32, but the Pioneers were unable to find the back of the net.  William Smith also had its chances as it was awarded two 5-on-3 advantages, but the Utica defense, led by Reilly held strong.
 
Reilly finished with 24 saves on the day, while William Smith's Olivia Williams turned aside all 30 shots she faced to pick up the shutout.  Utica was 0-for-8 on the power play, while the Herons were 0-for-10. 
 
UC returns to action on Saturday as it hosts defending UCHC Champion Elmira College.  Game time is scheduled for 2 p.m.