Box Score
CLINTON, NY— The Ephs bounced back from a tough opening loss yesterday with a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Hamilton Continentals this afternoon. Goals from Kristen Tubbs and Nicolle Perry in the third period propelled the Ephs to the win, giving Joey Lye her first win as head coach of the Williams squad.
Willams was put in a 1-0 hole early in the game, when Katie Zimmerman tipped one past Eph freshman goalie Rachel Nguyen only 2:55 into the game. Zimmerman's tally would remain the only score until Williams roared back with a 2-goal 3rd period.
Although penalties plagued both teams in the middle frame with a total of 8 fouls committed, solid netminding from Nguyen and Hamilton's Lesley Ryder made for a goalless second period. Hamilton was presented with a 5-on-3 powerplay opportunity after penalties on Cristina Bravi and Kate Foley, but was denied on stellar penalty-killing by the Williams defense.
The third period opened with Zimmerman's tally as the sole score, but the Ephs were able to reverse the one-goal defecit with a great team effort in the final frame. Nicolle Perry notched her second goal of the season off an assist from Ally Ensor with 12:40 left in the game to tie things up at 1-1.
However, after Ensor's penalty with 11:58 left to play gave the Continentals a powerplay, the Ephs' comeback appeared to be in jeopardy, as Hamilton now held the man-up advantage. The Ephs managed to reverse this apparent drawback when Kristen Tubbs scored the shorthanded game-winner with 11:27 remaining in the game. Perry and tri-captain Hannah Systrom aided Tubbs' tally. Hamilton had three more powerplay chances in the period, but were unable to capitalize any of the attempts, giving Williams the final 2-1 edge.
Williams coach Joey Lye was pleased with her team's performance today and lauded the Ephs' hustle and determination. "It was awesome to see the girls battle from behind. They didn't give up or let themselves get discouraged. We worked hard to fight our way back."
Becca Nichols had a strong game at forward, while Nguyen notched a win in her first collegiate appearance. Tubbs and Perry combined for two goals in the second straight contest.
Williams' win today improves their overall record to 1-1 (1-1 NESCAC), while Hamilton falls to 0-2 (0-2 NESCAC) on the season.
The Ephs have a week hiatus and return to the ice against Bowdoin on November 27 at 7 pm for their home opener.
