Box
Score
Photo
Gallery
WILLIAMSTOWN - The Williams College men's lacrosse team battled
back from a four goal first period deficit before ultimately
falling 10-7 to the undefeated and #8 ranked Endicott College
Tuesday.
With the loss the Ephs, who had previously been listed as high
as #13 in the D3 preseason poll, have started the season with two
consecutive losses and sit at 0-2 (0-1 NESCAC) while Endicott
improves to 4-0.
The Gulls used a big first quarter -- wherein they converted
three of their first four shots and four of their seven total shots
for the period -- to propel them to victory. After falling behind
4-0 after one, the Ephs would battle back in the second half and
eventually tied the score at 6-6 off of a David Hawley score just
3:15 into the final period. However, it was simply not to be as the
Gulls responded and notched four more goals to put the Ephs away.
"I think our guys came out a bit nervous and that really opened
things up for [Endicott] in the first quarter. Its really hard to
dig out of the kind of hole we dug ourselves into when your playing
such a quality opponent." Remarked Eph head coach George McCormack,
"But I am very proud of how the guys responded and battled back,
especially in the second half."
The Ephs edged the Gulls in shots (Williams: 36, Endicott: 27)
and groundballs (Williams: 27, Endicott: 19), while the Gulls took
extra man opportunities (Williams: 4. Endicott: 9), clears
(Williams: 17, Endicott: 23), and saves (Williams: 6, Endicott:
13). The Ephs also managed to record six goals against a defense
that boasted a mere 2.7 goals against per game average.
Nick Cosco put in three scores and an assist for the Gulls,
while Brandon Dube, Eddie O'Reilly, and Jack Curtis would each add
a pair of goals and an assist to pace the Endicott offense.
However, it was goaltender Eric Hagarty's (13 saves) big
saves throughout that may have played the role of decider in the
match.
David Hawley led the Ephs with two scores, while Bryan Wrapp,
Richard Reuter, Matt Cranshaw, Corey Jacobs, and Sam Hargrove would
each contribute a score in the losing effort. The Eph defense,
despite its periodic breakdowns, was solid on Endicott extra man
opportunities allowing only one score for nine Gull chances.
Endicott won the games first two faceoffs and quickly converted
them to two quick scores off of shots from Jack Curtis and Dan Cain
just 2:22 into the game. The Gulls would add another score off of a
sensational spinning shot from Brandon Dube midway through the
first period to make it 3-0.
The Ephs nearly got on the board in the waning moments of the
first, but Chris Edmonds shot found the crossbar and the Gulls
quickly turned the table on the Ephs with a rebound and quick
counter that turned into another score to send the game into the
first break with Endicott up 4-0.
Sam Hargrove would get the Ephs on the board with a point blank
rip in the opening five minutes of the second period, but Endicott
responded with two consecutive scores to bring the game to 6-1.
However, the Ephs returned their deficit to four scores when Matt
Cranshaw took a feed from Thomas Murray and buried it with only
1:30 left till half to end the first half at 6-2.
The Ephs won the opening faceoff of the third quarter and Corey
Jacobs stewarded the ball all the way into the net, cutting the
score to 6-3 just 17 seconds into the second half. The Ephs would
reel off three more scores over the rest of third and into the
fourth period, making it five consecutive and knotting the game at
6-6. David Hawley book-ended the scoring in this run with Richard
Reuter contributing the middle goal.
But Endicott, aided by an Eph penalty that rendered them
short-handed, regained the lead just 52 seconds after they lost it
and added an additional score just a minute later.
Bryan Wrapp would bring Williams back to within one 8:38 left to
play, but the momentum had shifted and Endicott followed by
recording two more scores, effectively ending the Ephs comeback
bid.
The Ephs will look to get their first win of the season this
Saturday when they return to NESCAC play against Bates. That game
will be at Renzie Lamb field and will begin at 12:00 PM.
