Box Score MIDDLEBURY, VT – Coming off of a win yesterday against Connecticut College, Williams College Field Hockey (2-5-0, 1-4-0 NESCAC) fell to NESCAC rival Middlebury College (6-1-0, 4-1-0 NESCAC) today by a score of 2-1.
The first half proved unsuccessful for both teams' offenses, as the score remained tied at zero at half. The half would begin with Middlebury in control, however, as they kept control of the ball to pressure the Williams defense. "Our defense played very well today," said coach Alix Barrele. "It was tough because we were playing great defense but not giving ourselves opportunities on offense. We were keeping Middlebury out defensively, stopping corners and keeping them scoreless but we couldn't seem to convert offensively." The Panthers would take nine shots in the half to the Ephs' two, keeping Eph goalie Nina Kumar busy. Kumar would make six saves to keep Williams tied at zero, and the Ephs would continue to battle against the strong Panther offense. Middlebury would force twelve penalty corners to Williams' one, but would be unable to convert on any of them.
In the second half, both teams remained scoreless for more than fifteen minutes before Middlebury was able to put a goal on the scoreboard. Middlebury's Lauren Berestecky scored at the 53:47 mark off of an assist by fellow Panther Catherine Fowler to bring the score to 1-0 in their favor. Shortly thereafter, Middlebury would follow up with another goal, this time scored by Fowler and assisted by Elinore O'Brien. Williams would hold out, however, stopping the Middlebury offense's momentum. Getting possession in Middlebury's defensive end, Williams capitalized on their one shot in the half to bring the score to 2-1. Cary Hairfield scored on an assist by teammate Rachel Brissette to put the Ephs back in the game. The clock was working against the Ephs, however, and ran out before Williams could have another offensive opportunity. Kumar would have nine saves on the day while Middlebury goalie, Emily Knapp would have zero.
Williams next takes on Springfield away on Wednesday at 7.
