Box Score CLINTON, NY -- Although Colton Growney and Steven Kiesel each scored a pair of goals for Williams College, the Ephs ultimately fell to Hamilton College 8-7 in overtime. The Ephs (5-6/3-5 NESCAC) and the Continentals (7-5/4-5 NESCAC) were rather evenly matched, resulting in a competitive contest that required one overtime period. Each team was coming in with two consecutive victories prior to Tuesday's game, and both were gunning to extend their winning streak.
Evan Dedominicis set the tone less than three minutes into the first quarter, with a goal assisted by Colton Growney. Shortly after, a defensive penalty resulted in a man-up situation for Hamilton. Luke Walsh seized the opportunity to even the score for the Continentals, netting a quick goal with 10:51 remaining in the quarter. Within the first five minutes, it became clear that this game would be a close one.
After a series of missed shots and turnovers, Hamilton's Sam Sweet gained possession and took a shot. Williams goalkeeper Dan Whittam made his first save of the game, followed by a successful clear. Shortly after, Andy Grabowski seized control and fired off a goal, tipping the score once again in the Ephs' favor with 5:38 remaining in the first quarter. David Lee won the following faceoff, and the ball quickly moved into the stick of Conor Roddy. Roddy also fired off a shot with ease, increasing the Williams lead to 3-1.
Down by two goals, Hamilton entered the second quarter with energy. They obtained possession early, but were unable to put the ball in the net. Whittam stepped up with a save and a subsequent clear, leading to a fourth point for Williams. Steven Kiesel put this one away with 8:45 remaining in the quarter. Kiesel's goal sparked a series of shots from both teams.
Continental Bryan Hopper stepped up, answering with a goal of his own and gaining a second point for Hamilton. However, Williams fought back. David Lee possessed the faceoff again, and it quickly moved to the Ephs' offensive end. Colton Growney scored his first goal of the contest, solidifying a 5-2 lead for the Ephs going into halftime.
Williams managed to possess the first ball of the half, leading to an unassisted goal from Steven Kiesel, his second of the contest. With a 6-2 lead, the Ephs appeared to be pulling away. However, Hamilton refused to go down easily.
A series of turnovers ensued for much of the third quarter, as both teams fought for possession. Finally, Hamilton's Nate Menninger broke through with a goal, scored about halfway into the quarter. Teammate Sam Sweet followed up with two more quick goals, both assisted by John Zimmerman. Williams held a slight lead at 6-5.
Colton Growney scored an unassisted goal on a man-up situation in the fourth quarter, his second of the game. Hamilton proved persistent. Sam Sweet answered back with his third consecutive goal, 5:56 remaining on the clock. Less than a minute later, Hamilton's Pax Anthos found the net to tie it up at 7-7. The overtime period was extremely competitive, with each team calling a time out to strategize. Shortly after their time out, Hamilton's Nick Ogden forced a turnover and cleared the ball down the field. With only fourteen seconds remaining in the first OT period, Bryan Hopper scored again, sealing a Hamilton victory.
One problem that contributed to the narrow loss was a lack of consistency throughout the contest by the Ephs. "They were two very different halves," Williams head coach George McCormack commented after the game. "We didn't finish strong in the second half, so I have to give Hamilton credit. We needed four good quarters to win."
Though the teams were very competitive with one another, there some differences which were evident on the field. Hamilton took 42 shots as compared to Williams' 31, and they also received two more penalties than did the Ephs. Williams narrowly won the ground ball count with 30 of the 59 total. David Lee had another successful day, winning 13 of the 19 total face offs. Dan Whittam had 10 saves, as opposed to 6 saves by Hamilton's Will Driscoll.
"It really was a great game, in regards to competition," McCormack observed. The Ephs next will take on Amherst at home this Saturday, April 20.
