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WILLIAMSTOWN, MA. — Though Williams (3-11, 1-8 NESCAC) would have preferred to be on the winning end of this Friday night's competition against Middlebury (11-3, 7-2 NESCAC) at Renzie Lamb Field, the Ephs put everything out on the field giving their senior class something to be proud of as they wrap up their collegiate field hockey careers. Middlebury forward Lauren Greer found the back of the net 7:13 into the first overtime from the top of the circle off an assist by teammate Katie Schide to propel the 13th nationally ranked Panthers past the Ephs in the final regulation competition on the season.
30:49 into the first frame, Hannah Clarke tallied Middlebury's first goal unassisted elevating the Panthers to a 1-0 advantage that would remain for the remainder of the first. The Panthers out-shot the Ephs 7-1 and had a 2-0 penalty corner advantage.
Williams responded ten minutes into the second frame when junior Margie Fulton (Wesleyan, Mass.) and first-year Betsey Hart (New Canaan, Conn.) tag-teamed for an assist and goal in traffic. At 46:26 Fulton picked up a loose ball in front of the Panther's cage and passed to Greene on the right goal-post who guided the ball past Middlebury goalkeeper Becca Shaw. In the final minutes, both teams kicked up their intensity, but effectively countered eachother's attacks sending the game into overtime. The Ephs nearly doubled the Panther's shots with a 9-5 edge and ended the half with a 3-3 penalty corner draw.
Taking 8 shots over the course of the competition, Greer made good on her final fast break and subsequent shot clinching the win for Middlebury 7:13 into the final period. The Panthers had 2 shots and 1 penalty corner for the frame.
Shaw had 3 saves and 1 goal allowed, while senior tri-captain goalie Katrina Tulla (New Canaan, Conn.) tallied nine saves with 2 goals allowed for the 77:13 minute competition.
"I thought both Katrina and Alice finished their seasons on a high note and quite possibly with their best games of the year. We missed Lindsay out there but she has a presence on and off the field and we have greatly appreciated her leadership on this team. Overall we have improved so much over the course of the season and have learned to adjust to any situation. Today's game could have gone either way, but regardless of the outcome I am proud of my girls," commented Coach Alix Barrale.
