Box Score MEDFORD, MA -- The Williams College Ephs' (10-7/ 6-5 NESCAC) season came to a close today after coming up short to Tufts University (15-2/ 9-1 NESCAC) in the NESCAC semi-finals, 17-6. The Jumbos' success was largely due to their offensive performance, scoring seventeen goals, including the last five of the contest. The Jumbos also outscored the Ephs 64-43. Each goalkeeper was challenged consistently throughout the game.
Despite the tough loss, the Ephs have much to be proud of this season. They were ranked fourth in the NESCAC with only four league losses prior to tournament play. Their success is even more remarkable considering the Ephs have played without a home field all season, due to renovations on the Williams College athletic facilities. Senior captains Ben Allison, Stephen Upton, and David Lee, along with the rest of the squad, found great success despite these challenges.
In a league like the highly competitive NESCAC, the outcome of a game is always uncertain. Although the Jumbos boasted this season's number one spot in the league and were granted the home field advantage, today's semi-final round against the Ephs was sure to be competitive.
After all, the Ephs were also highly ranked, and had beaten Middlebury College last Saturday in order to advance to the semi-final round. The Ephs were also responsible for the Jumbos' only league loss in the regular season, winning 15-8 on April 1. They were hoping for another upset today.
However, the Tufts squad played a complete game, coming out with intensity and finishing strong. Though Williams also showed up ready to play, they were caught off guard by their opponent's confidence and persistence in the offensive end.
Tufts certainly seemed comfortable on their home field, coming out strong from the initial faceoff. An early ground ball pick-up led to a goal within the first 30 seconds. The Ephs sensed this momentum, and called a timeout. However, the Jumbos netted two more goals moments later.
In these initial minutes, Williams was put on the defensive. Despite a few blocked shots from Dan Whittam and the always-strong Eph defense, the Jumbos held on to the ball.
Whittam continued to be tested until Eph attacker Andy Grabowski broke their silence with a shot assisted by Jack Lauroesch. This point startled Tufts, and possession began to change hands between the squads.
With 5:36 remaining, John Uppgren netted a fourth goal for his team.
The Tufts offense was even more prolific in the second quarter, scoring six more goals to the Ephs' three.
Ben Andreyack fired a shot on a man-up situation, putting his team ahead 5-1. Eph Michael Fahey answered back with a goal of his own, again assisted by Lauroesch.
However, it wasn't enough: Tufts then went on a four-goal run stretching for several minutes in the second quarter. Though the Ephs had trouble finding the back of the net, they did create some offensive opportunities in that time. The Tufts defense proved strong.
Each keeper was tested in the second quarter. Tufts called two timeouts and Williams called one.
Eric Kelley put a stop to the Jumbos' run, scoring an unassisted goal with 4:11 left in the quarter. The squads then exchanged one more goal apiece, for a halftime score of 10-4.
The half time served as a necessary break for each team. The Ephs knew that had some catching up to do, but they were determined.
Tufts netted two goals early into the third quarter. Up 12-5, the Jumbos were in an advantageous position.
However, Conor Roddy reminded his opponent that the Ephs would not back down. Roddy scored two goals back-to-back, putting his team back in the game. The score was 12-6.
The remaining five and a half minutes of the third quarter were competitive. Several forced turnovers caused an ever-changing possession. Though Williams executed successful plays and forced turnovers throughout the field, they were unable to finish in the net.
The fourth quarter opened at 12-6.
Tufts continued to play with energy until the contest's final minutes. A Williams turnover led to two quick goals for the Jumbos, including Uppgren's fourth.
The competition was fierce despite the scoring deficit. Williams attackers took a number of shots, but Patton Watkins was strong in the net. Tufts went man-down, and Williams tried to use this to their advantage. However, a quick defensive clear led to two more Tufts goals within six seconds.
The home team defended their top ranked spot with pride. Ben Andreycak scored the seventeenth Tufts goal. The remaining minutes of the game remained competitive, with a handful of penalties for rough play.
Tufts won the majority of the faceoffs and ground balls, forcing 11 turnovers to the Ephs' 8. The Jumbos backed up their stellar reputation, and will advance to the final round tomorrow.
The Ephs will return to Williamstown today. Though they were not able to upset Tufts twice in one season, they have much to celebrate. Coach McCormack led this season's squad to one of their most successful seasons in years, including a handful of thrilling upsets and close NESCAC wins. The team's five seniors will be sorely missed, but they've certainly given their team the tools necessary to succeed next year.
