WATERVILLE, ME—Williams Field Hockey came from behind Saturday to defeat Colby College 2-1 and secure a spot in the NESCAC playoffs. Williams improves to 6-7 on the season, 4-5 in NESCAC play. Colby falls to 5-8, 1-8 NESCAC.
The game remained scoreless for the first half. In the second, Colby was first to score with a shot by Caroline Chessare finding the back of the goal at 43:19. Chessare was assisted off a penalty corner by Caitlin Murray. Williams sophomore Katie Jolin (Guilford, CT) responded to tie the game at 50:20. Jolin scored off an assist by Annie VanWagenen. (Rye, NY).
Williams continued their fight for a playoff bid and played aggressively in pursuit of another goal. Carey Hairfield (Richmond, VA) celebrated her birthday by tallying the winning goal for the Ephs at 60:18.
Colby led Williams in shots (17-14) and penalty corners (13-8). Ephs goalie Ariana Spiliotes (Bethesda, MD) had four saves and Michelle Burt had eight saves for Colby.
"This was a do or die situation for us" noted Coach Alix Barrale, adding that "the work we have put in during practice really prepared us for this game". Barrale was especially pleased with her team's energy throughout the game noting that, "the team's energy and determination throughout the game was impressive both on the field and the sideline".
The Ephs will close out regular season play at home on Wednesday, October 24th against Middlebury.
