The Williams women's hockey team started out their season on Friday night against Wesleyan in front of solid crowd at Spurrier-Snyder Rink. The Ephs were looking to start out their season on a good note, but came up short in a 2-0 loss.
The shot count was not indicative of the final score, as the Ephs outshot the Cardinals 35-15. The Ephs came out very strong in the first period, with 17 shots to Wesleyan's 5. Wesleyan's senior captain goalie, Ashleigh Corvi had a stellar performance, stopping all 35 shots she faced. Williams' goalie Chloe Billadeau faced fewer shots (only 15) and saved 13. Despite those miscues, she played well in net and had a few crucial stops.
The game was scoreless until sophomore Laura Wasnick scored on a redirect with 3:57 remaining in the 3rd period. Twenty-three seconds later, the Cardinals capitalized again on an impressive individual effort by Wasnick, her second finish of the game, beating Billadeau top corner to put Wesleyan up 2-0 with 3:34 left in the game. The Ephs had chances throughout the game but never found the opportunity to score.
In the second half of the 3rd period, there was a stretch where both teams committed several penalties. Both of Wesleyan's goal were scored during 4 on 4 situations. The Ephs had a balanced effort on both ends of the ice, keeping the game close till the closing minutes, however, they came up with the loss.
After the game, Coach Gillis explained, "We came out strong, putting the puck on net often but ran into a good goaltender. We couldn't capitalize on our chances and couldn't find the back of the net." Wesleyan rallied around Corzi's spectacular performance between the pipes, finishing the game with a sense of relief.
The Ephs square off again at Wesleyan tomorrow at Spurrier-Snyder Rink at 3:00 pm. Coach Gillis hopes to come out next game with a similar effort, but with more success. "We hope to come out with a similar start but are hoping to capitalize on more scoring chances and to put the puck in the back of the net when we have the chance."
