CLINTON, NY – Despite outshooting the Continentals 29-24, Williams fell to Hamilton College, splitting their third NESCAC series of the season with today's loss following last night's 4-2 victory. Two goals and an assist from Katie Zimmerman propelled the Continentals to a 4-2 victory over the visiting Ephs this afternoon.
Undeterred by yesterday's loss, Hamilton got off to a hot start, capitalizing early in the first frame thanks to Zimmerman's first of two goals of the night. Zimmerman received help from Laura DiCarlo and Hannah Jaiven and found the back of the net at the 2:37 mark. Despite man-up advantages for both teams later in the first period, neither defense would budge, leaving the score at 1-0 headed into the locker room.
The Hamilton offense came out firing in the middle frame, and once again sent the puck past Eph netminder Chloe Billadeau in the opening minutes of the period. 1:42 into the frame, it was Riley Smith who notched the second Hamilton goal of the contest, aided by Courtney Power, giving Hamilton a 2-0 edge.
Presented with a scoring opportunity following two Hamilton penalties, Williams took advantage of their 5-on-3 opportunity and got on the board with seven minutes remaining in the period. Assisted by Sarah Herr, Sam Weinstein recorded the tally to cut the gap to one.
Headed into the final frame, the Ephs fed off of the momentum provided by Weinstein's goal and managed to knot up the contest at two goals apiece. Taking advantage of another powerplay opportunity, Aimee Dennett sent the puck home with help from Eliza Foster and Caitlin Conlon. Dennett's tally did not prove to be enough however, as Hamilton took control of the remaining minutes of the contest. Dicarlo, assisted by Abby Runyon and Zimmerman, retaliated at the 4:59 mark, upping Hamilton's lead to 3-2. Under a minute later, Zimmerman, aided by Meredith Bitterman, sealed the game at 4-2 with her second tally of the game.
The Ephs refused to go away, evidenced by their 16 shots on goal to the Contiental's 7 in the final frame. Coach Meghan Gillis was very pleased with their ability to battle, stating, "The girls competed really hard especially in third. We had a couple of really good chances in the third, including Hannah Systrom's shot which hit the crossbar on a powerplay opportunity." Despite Williams' offensive tirade, Hamilton goalie Becca Hazlett turned away everything that came her way.
Hazlett finished the game with 27 stops, while Billadeau turned away 20 bids.
Next up for Williams is non-conference foe Castelton. "Castleton has strong goaltending, and it should be a great game to prepare us for our upcoming series against Colby," Gillis remarked. Castleton will host the Ephs Tuesday at 7pm.
