NEW LONDON, CT– A star-studded performance from Ephs junior Shea van Den Broek who finished the game with six goals, and first-year Claudia Russell, who facilitated six assists, propelled the Ephs to their first win of the season.
The Ephs' first offensive possession led to a goal courtesy of a low shot from Shea van Den Broek after an excellent clear from the Ephs that started with a great stop from the Ephs net-minder Caitlyn Joyce. They added to their early lead after Shea van Den Broek returned the favor to her teammate Lily Warendorf who shot low to take a 2-0 lead at the 12-minute mark. Despite some strong defense from the Ephs, the Camels responded, thanks to a bouncing shot from Aine Downey with about four minutes remaining in the first quarter.
Shea van Der Broek continued her excellent form with her second goal of the game after a terrific cut and shot assisted by Claudia Russell. Grace Collier showed her great vision after she found Madison Fulcher-Melendy right in front of the goal, who finished the opportunity to take a 4-1 lead. The Camels quickly responded with two goals that brought the game within one with twelve minutes left in the half, thanks to goals from Aine Downey and Kelly Wolin.
After some referee disagreements, the Ephs earned their first free-position goal of the game courtesy of Mason Yonge, which reinstated their two-goal cushion. Shea van Den Broek recreated her second goal of the game for her hat-trick, which made the score 6-3 and prompted a Camels' timeout. Shea van Den Broek continued her outstanding performance with a beautiful behind-the-back goal that perplexed the Camel defense.
Shea van Den Broek's unstoppable offensive work continued with two beautiful passes to Madison Fulcher-Melendy for her second and third goal of the game. An all-around second-quarter performance sent the Ephs into halftime with a 9-3 lead, their biggest lead at halftime all season. "She brings so much with her vision and leadership, she had a day" Ephs' Coach Alice Lee noted in reference to Shea van Den Broek.
The Camels started the second half strong with a goal from Emily Yorn, assisted by Sydney Weber. Camels' Kelly Wolin broke through the strong Eph defense, which brought the game within four with 9:27 remaining in the third quarter. Shea van Den Broek responded with her fifth goal of the game, which resulted in another five-goal lead and stopped the Camels' scoring run. Abby Godwin assisted Lily Warendorf for her second of the game after a nice move in front of the goal that created shooting space to score.
The Ephs tacked on another goal right before the end of the third quarter courtesy of a goal from Sarah Skidmore. The fourth quarter started again dominated by the Ephs after Claudia Russell pierced through the Camel defense to score, which made the score 13-5.
The Ephs did not put the brake on the gas in the fourth quarter. Meghan Keenan received a pass from Shea van Den Broek and showed impressive composure in front of goal to score. Stephanie Wistreich joined the growing Ephs scorers list of the day, which canceled out a Sydney Weber goal for the Camels with nine minutes remaining. Shea van Den Broek did it again for her sixth goal, with six minutes left in the game. Despite a few goals from the Camels, the Ephs commanding lead and a few more goals was too much for the Camels to come back from. The Ephs win their first game of the season 17-10.
"So proud of the team, they were clicking all around the field, it was a fun team win" Ephs' Coach Alice Lee stated.
The Ephs will travel to New York in their third away game in a row to take on Union College on Wednesday, March 30th at 6:00 PM.
