Box Score WILLIAMSTOWN, MA – Eleven saves from Margaret Draper and three goals from Hillary Cook were not enough to propel No. 18 Williams (7-7, 3-7 NESCAC) over No. 3 Middlebury (12-2, 8-2 NESCAC). Following a back and forth first period that more closely resembled a basketball contest, the Panthers notched five second half goals en route to a 13-11 victory. With the loss, the Ephs claimed eighth place in the NESCAC, and will travel to Hartford, Connecticut to play top-ranked Trinity in the quarterfinals.
Much like the Ephs' previous NESCAC contest against Colby, the first half was highlighted by both teams' offensive prowess. Bridget Instrum opened the first half's scoring just 17 seconds after the initial draw. Following a second consecutive Middlebury goal, Williams' Margaret Draper fashioned several acrobatic saves to maintain a two-goal deficit. The three-sport goaltender's play appeared to spark the Ephs, who netted six goals before the 10 minute mark. Of the Ephs' five tallies, Nancy Palmer's was the most spectacular. After receiving a pass from the top of the 12 meter, Palmer hurled the ball into the back of the net, but was viciously muscled to the ground. The referee disallowed the goal in favor of a free-position bid, which Palmer rifled into the bottom of the cage.
After collecting a 7-5 lead on Hillary Cook's free-position shot at 9:45, the Ephs did not find the back of the net for the remainder of the half. The Panthers dominated possession for the final six minutes of the period, hurling upwards of 10 quality chances toward Draper. Despite Draper's heroics, Middlebury netted three goals, taking an 8-7 lead into the dressing room.
The second frame's action was dissimilar to the first's; both the Ephs and Panthers demonstrated lengthy, patient possessions, which only occasionally resulted in goals. After consecutive kick saves by Draper, Middlebury's Katie Ritter danced along the goal line, eluded her defender, and snuck the ball into the net at 26:21. Hillary Cook quickly avenged Ritter's goal, running end to end in a Marshawn Lynch-esque manner before beating the Middlebury goaltender.
While the Ephs were able collect two more goals from Natalie Gill and Becca Bell before the 10 minute mark, each was immediately rebutted by Panther tallies. After taking a three-goal lead with six minutes to play, Middlebury did their best to control the ball, but were pressed by Eph defenders Molly Belk, Mahaney Sippel, and Emily Gerber. The defenders' relentless effort resulted in a turnover and fast-break opportunity for the Ephs, which Molly Belk blasted into the goal at 3:42.
Middlebury's Catherine Fowler controlled the ensuing draw, allowing the Panthers to retain possession and a two-goal lead until the final whistle. The Panther's 13-11 victory was their twelfth of the season and eighth in the NESCAC.
Williams was led in scoring by Hillary Cook, who now ranks fifth in the NESCAC in goals scored (33). Middlebury was vaulted by Bridget Instrum's six goals. Instrum, a graduate of Williston Northhampton, is now tied with Bridget Malicki for eighth in the NESCAC in goals scored (29). In net, Margaret Draper made a career high 11 saves, while Madeline Kinker fashioned six.
The Ephs will play Trinity in the NESCAC Quarterfinals in Hartford, Connecticut on Saturday at 12PM. Middlebury will also play on Saturday, but their opponent has not yet been determined.
