Box Score AMHERST, MA – Despite Natalie Gill's career-best four goals, No. 16 Williams (5-4, 2-4 NESCAC) fell to No. 12 Amherst (7-3, 3-3 NESCAC), 17-11. Though tied at 10 with 20 minutes remaining in regulation, the Lord Jeffs managed 7 consecutive goals to seal their victory. Claire Cagnassola's unassisted tally at 18:39 proved to be the game-winning mark.
In a barnburner of a first half, the Lord Jeffs opened scoring at 27:56 on Julia Crerend's unassisted effort. Amherst controlled the ensuing draw and quickly found the back of the net on Rachel Passarelli's shot from just outside the Ephs' crease. After turnovers by both the Ephs and Jeffs, Natalie Gill ('16) put the Ephs on the scoreboard at 23:16 via Maeve Mulholland's pass from X. After controlling the draw, Williams' Becca Bell ('15) hurled an outside bounce-shot past Amherst goaltender, Christy Forrest. The Ephs continued their offensive streak just seconds later when Gill collected her second goal on a free-position shot, bringing the score to 3-2 and forcing an Amherst timeout.
Following the Lord Jeff timeout, Bridget Malicki ('15) and Nancy Palmer ('15) gave Williams a 5-2 lead with 18:00 remaining in the first half. The Ephs were dominant at the faceoff X during this stretch, and managed to retain possession for 4 minutes of play. The Ephs had two more quality chances during their lengthy possession, but Amherst's Christy Forrest was equal to the task.
Amherst's Claire Cagnassola ended the Ephs' 5-goal streak at 14:40 after spinning past several defenders and beating Eph netminder Margaret Draper ('17). Following Cagnassola's efforts, the Lord Jeffs exploded for 4 consecutive goals of their own, taking a 7-5 lead. As the first half came to a close, the game became increasingly physical; both teams were penalized several times. Despite the game's physical play, both Becca Bell and Bridget Malicki were able to score, ending the chaotic half with the game neutralized, 7-7.
Williams managed to outshoot the Jeffs 12-10 in the first frame and only sacrificed 1 turnover. Amherst edged Williams at the faceoff X, 9-6. The first half witnessed 25 total fouls and one yellow card.
The Ephs took an 8-7 lead just 29 seconds into the second half on Hillary Cook's ('15) free-position shot. Cook, who stands 6' tall, elevated her crosse above the encroaching Jeff defenders and launched the ball into the top of the net. Cook found the back of the net again on a free-position attempt at 25:47, but was penalized for an illegal stick, negating the goal. After the Jeffs scored twice to gain a 9-8 lead, Bridget Malicki scored to knot the game at 9. Malicki spun past her defender and shot the ball into the top of the net, seemingly without looking.
The Jeffs responded, however, by way of Rachel Passarelli's unassisted effort. Natalie Gill answered with a goal of her own, her third of the night, at 19:45 via Anne Rehfuss' ('16) pass to tie the game at 10. Gill's goal would be the last for the Ephs until 3:22, when she gathered her 4th of the game. Between Gill's heroics, the Lord Jeffs scored 7 times. Amherst's second half dominance can largely be attributed to Hanna Krueger, who controlled several draws, allowing the Jeffs to maintain possession. During the Jeffs' 7-goal streak, Cagnassola, Sarah Spector, Mia Haughton, Passarelli, and Meghan Mills recorded goals.
Natalie Gill led the Ephs in scoring with 4 goals on 5 shots. The Medfield native now ranks fourth on the Ephs in goals scored (13), and second in shooting percentage (50%). Both Rachel Passarelli and Claire Cagnassola managed 5 goals for Amherst.
Williams plays host to Hamilton College on Wednesday, April 8 at 5PM. Amherst travels to New London, Connecticut, to face the Camels on Tuesday, April 7.
