The #24 Misericordia University women's soccer team defeated #5 William Smith, 2-1, with a pair of second-half goals, Wednesday on Mangelsdorf Field.

After falling behind 1-0, the Cougars answered back with a dominant second half.  Senior back Kristen Ritter knocked in the first Misericordia goal on a 40-yard free kick in the 57^th minute. Fellow senior Ashley Edgell scored the game-winner on a penalty kick in the 82nd  minute.

Following a Herons' foul, Ritter played a free kick into the box from approximately 40-yards out. The strike sneaked past the goalkeeper and found the back of the net for the equalizer. It was Ritter's second collegiate goal and her first since October 17, 2015 against Manhattanville.

Later in the half, Edgell was awarded a penalty kick when she was taken down on the left side of the box. The senior beat the keeper high for the game-winner. It was her first goal of the season.

The Cougars dominated play early while attempting the game's first three shots. In the seventh minute, the Cougars nearly jumped out to an early lead when Kendall Pearage missed wide following a cross from Kaylee Sturans. The shot came from approximately five-yards out.

Later in the half, Jeanna Orfanos fired a shot high following a 40-yard free kick from Ritter. The senior's free kick bounced around in traffic before finding the foot of Orfanos.

Misericordia was aided by another stellar defensive performance. Shortly after Ritter's equalizer, Alexis Benedetto made a clutch save against Eileen Rath from a couple yards away. After the ball was played to Rath off a header, Benedetto calmly stood her ground and grabbed the attempt.

The Cougars were able to fight-off several late attacks from William Smith. In the 83^rd minute, Misericordia's defense came up with two straight blocks to deny Megan Barwick and Lindsey Jameson.

Moments later, Barwick threatened again when she played a free kick into traffic from 35-yards out. However, Benedetto leaped to her left and was able to control the attempt.

The Herons scored their lone goal in the 29^th minute after Barwick connected with Megan Richard on a corner kick. Richard played the ball into the net with a header for her first goal of the season.

The Cougars improved to 5-1-1 on the season while William Smith fell to 4-2. Misericordia plays at #4 Messiah, Saturday at 7:00.