Box Score
Photo Gallery
WILLIAMSTOWN, MA -- As the last minute ran down in the second frame, Skidmore (9-1) and Williams (4-4) each prepared for what looked like inevitable overtime play with a tied score at 1-1, but with less than thirty seconds on the clock the Thoroughbred offensive line took advantage of a penalty corner to make the game-winning goal at the buzzer.
Sam Skott converted off a feed from Kelly Blackhurst to send the Thoroughbreds home happy.
Williams took the lead early in the first when sophomore Eph Emily Jablonski (Madison, Conn.) found the back of the cage 11:38 into the frame unassisted. The Ephs held the 1-0 lead for the remainder of the half, though it was a consistent back-and-forth battle for offensive possession as each team finished the half with 6 shots and 4 penalty corners.
Eight minutes into the second period at 43:10, Thoroughbred Jackie Slocombe deflected the ball to teammate Kelly Blackhurst who finished in traffic bringing the score to a 1-1 draw. Blackhurst received the insertion off the final penalty corner in the last moments of the second frame feeding teammate Sam Skott the ball and thereby placing her in scoring position to clinch the 2-1 victory with no time left on the clock. Skidmore outshot the Ephs 8-2 for the period and also held a 6-2 penalty corner advantage.
Williams first-year goalkeeper Ariana Spiliotes (Bethesda, Mass.) had an active 70 minutes in goal making key stops on Skidmore's offense accruing 9 saves in the process and allowing 2 goals for the night. Skidmore first-year goalie Haley McDougall (Saratoga Springs, NY) tallied 2 saves and had 1 goal allowed for the 70 minutes spent in the cage.
Williams Co-captain Meera Sivalingam (Philadelphia, Penn.) and first-year defender Annie Rojas made key contributions to the Ephs cohesive, strong team effort. Head coach Alix Burrale commented on the match: "I felt we did many things well tonight. We came out strong and played hard, but Skidmore turned it up at the end and executed when it came down to the wire."
Williams will meet NESCAC rival Amherst at home this Friday at 5PM.
