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WILLIAMSTOWN, MA -- Despite losing some experience after
graduating a strong senior class including All-New England
selections Meighan McGowan and Sarah Burleigh Williams College
(1-0) started their year off strong defeating Wesleyan University
(0-1) 3-0 this afternoon at Renzie Lamb Field.
The Ephs put forth a consistent defensive effort against
Wesleyan's speed and strong offense garnering them their first win
on the 2009 field hockey season. With key contributions ranging
from first-years to seniors, Ephs have gained the momentum
necessary to continue competing successfully.
From the first sound of the whistle, Wesleyan put on an aggressive
offensive display only to be answered by an even stronger defensive
effort by the Ephs led by sophmore Meera Sivalingam (Philadelphia,
PA). After 20 minutes of play and a penalty corner call, Williams
speedy first-year Kelly Nault (Longmeadow, MA) hit the net off an
assist by Sivalingam putting Ephs ahead for good. This game winning
goal gave the Ephs the necessary offensive momentum and defensive
cohesiveness deliver their first shut-out of the season.
Nault was only getting started when she socred the first goal of
the game. She also scored the two remaining first half goals for
the Ephs off assists by sophomore Lucy Rollins (Rye, NY) and
Sivalingam respectively.
Despite taking one more shot than Williams in the first half (7-6)
and having two more penalty corner opportunities (4-2), Wesleyan
came out of the period scoreless. Eph junior goalie Katrina Tulla
(New Canaan, CT) contributed 1 save while Cardinal first-year
goalie Tori Redding (Guilford, CT) had 2.
The second period of play echoed much of the first, but with no
goals. Wesleyan came out strong and finished with 10 penalty
corners, to Williams's 1, while the Cardinals also had 13 shots for
the period (2 on goal), to Williams 2 (1 on goal). Both Eph and
Cardinal goalkeepers stayed in the net for the entire 70 minutes.
Tulla tallied three more saves, while Redding tallied one more for
the
second period.
In their win over Wesleyan, the Ephs effieciency and determination
was reflected in their few but successful shots and dependable
defense. Williams benefited from behind-the-scenes players like
sophomore Margie Fulton (Wellesley, MA) and junior Whitney Thayer
(Lancaster, PA) who each uniquely contributed to the successful
outcome. Even with eight first-years on the team,
Williams came out on top.
“After our first goal we gained the momentum and confidence
necessary to clinch the win,” said coach Alix Barrale (10th
Season), “For how young we are, we really came together; it
was a great defensive effort.”
The Ephs will be playing again tomorrow afternoon when they host
Skidmore at 1:00 PM on Renzie Lamb Field.
