Box Score WILLIAMSTOWN, MA – In an out-of-conference matchup, the 18th ranked Williams College field hockey team (5-1) defeated the Smith College Pioneers (2-4) 2-1 on a second half goal by Claire Swingle.
Sophomore Alex Bennett scored late in the first half and Claire Swingle added another midway through the second half to propel the Ephs past the Pioneers.
At 19:38, Smith was first to get on the scoreboard off of their first penalty corner of the game. Senior Kat Estes of the Pioneers sent the ball to first year Beatrice Chaudoin, who launched the ball from the top of the circle into the back of the net.
After defending a lot of Smith pressure towards the end of the first half, Eph sophomore Alex Bennett tied the score at 1. At 33:51 after a Williams' shot was blocked, Rachel Brissette regained possession and passed the ball to Bennett, who sent the ball past Pioneer goalie, Nora Demick. This is Bennett's 3rd goal of the season.
At 49:53 the Ephs struck again to take their first lead of the game. Annie VanWagenen carried the ball down the right side of the field where she passed the ball off towards the top of the circle and got it immediately back. Pioneer goalie, Demick read the play and came far out of the cage to defend VanWagenen. She then sent the ball in front of the net to Meredith Wright, who made an impressive move around her defender and passed it off to senior, Claire Swingle. Even though Demick was still out of position, Swingle had to remain composed amongst the defensive coverage and pressure. She did so successfully and shot through the Pioneer defense to notch Williams' second and final goal of the game.
"I am really proud of the way we bounced back from a very disheartening loss to Bowdoin," said Williams' head coach Alix Barrale. "We were humbled by that game and to be able to respond, especially today when we were down 1-0 to Smith, was an all out sign of great determination, focus, and intensity."
The overall play was relatively even as the Ephs had 8 shots on goal and 10 penalty corners to the Pioneers' 8 shots on goal and 9 penalty corners. Both Margaret Draper of Williams and Nora Demick of Smith had 6 saves for their respective teams.
"That was the best Smith team I've seen and think they gave us a great game", said Barrale. "Draper definitely had to step up, as did Allie Holle who had a fantastic game on defense. This is our third game in four days, so that effort and accomplishment is definitely something to be proud of. Now we can catch our breath, get back on track, and focus on Amherst."
