UTICA, NY—The Ephs dropped their second game of the weekend this afternoon, falling 4-1 to Utica. Four different Pioneers scored in the win, while sophomore Sam Weinstein had the Ephs' lone goal.
The first period ended scoreless, despite 3 powerplay opportunities for Utica. Freshman Rachel Nguyen turned away 11 shots for Williams to deny Utica's efforts, while the Ephs tested junior Marissa Hotaling with 7 attempts.
Utica notched a goal early in the second period to secure their first lead of the afternoon. Senior Samantha Glockling, with help from Meghan McMahon and Lynny Gonzales, fired a shot past Nguyen to break the scoreless tie.
Four Utica penalties would give the Ephs some solid opportunities to even up the game, which Weinstein eventually capitalized on late in the period. With 1:36 remaining in the second and Williams holding a man-up advantage, freshman Haena Lee slid the puck to classmate Ally Ensor on the point, who faked a shot, then slid a pass across the blue line to the waiting Weinstein. Weinstein rocketed a slapshot by Hotaling for the equalizer, her third of the season.
The Pioneers managed to clinch the game in the final period, thanks to three goals from three different contributors. Sophomore Mary Fusco notched the gamewinner with 9:42 to play, with help from Meredith Tice and Brittany Dellechiaie.
McMahon recorded a score of her own for Utica with 3:50 remaining in the contest. Junior MacKenzie Roy and senior Meagan Sudik aided McMahon's goal, giving the Pioneers a 3-1 cushion. Senior Darcy Hier would cap the scoring off with 30 seconds to play to finalize the game at 4-1, thanks to help from McMahon and sophomore Nicole Joslyn.
Nguyen had another phenomenal game between the pipes for the Ephs, recording 37 saves tonight after turning away 49 shots against Middlebury last night. Ensor and Weinstein were a solid defensive duo for Williams, while junior Eliza Foster stood out as well.
"The girls worked hard tonight and pushed to the end," Williams coach Joey Lye said, "It was a great effort all around. We reflected on each shift and took each one individually. Overall, we worked well as a team."
The Ephs will look to use the same philosophy against Castleton on Tuesday night, when they take on the visiting Spartans at 7 pm.
