Waterville, ME — To round off the Maine trip, Williams College (1-1-0, 1-1-0) headed to Colby College (1-0-1, 1-0-1) for a match up of two title contenders. After a late push from the Ephs to force overtime, a second period goal from Colby would seal their 4-2 victory.
The Ephs skated out this afternoon looking to correct a 4-game skid against the Mules. After a few minutes of Colby pressure, the home team would take the lead on a rebound in front of the Ephs' net. The nerves now gone, Williams kicked it into gear and took control of the game's flow. Just past the halfway mark of the first period,
Conner Fitzpatrick would skate the puck into the Mules' zone and fire a shot on goal. His rebound kicked straight to
Jonah Gold who finished off his second in as many games to tie the game at 1-1. With the clock winding down, it appeared the game would head to locker room as is, but Colby would capitalize on loose defending to retake a 2-1 lead.
The second period would prove to be a back-and-forth affair with much of the action taking place at even strength. Colby would extend their lead midway through the second period when a bouncing puck found a Mules' stick in the middle of the ice to put the home team up 3-1. Shortly after, Colby had a chance to score a fourth as they found a player streaking on a breakaway. Goaltender
Cal Sandquist would make a stellar save on the attempt - one of twenty saves on the day - keeping the Ephs squarely in the contest. A few more chances would be split among the teams, but ultimately, they would head to final period 3-1.
Williams would come out swinging in the third period, still down two goals. An early Ephs' power play would put the puck in the hands of the visitors. On a quick rush down the ice, Colby would take another penalty but the play continued off the delayed call. The puck was thrown towards the net by
Henry Muller before it was deposited home by Jake Monroe. With a fresh power play on the board and down 3-2, the Ephs had a great shot at tying the game once again. Despite having several great opportunities down the stretch, Williams would not be able to complete the comeback. Colby would add an empty net goal with fifteen seconds remaining to seal the game at 4-2.
Williams' head coachoach
Bill Kangas commented on the game saying, "The team fought hard out there, they never felt out of the game. This opening weekend in Maine is always a test, and the guys can keep their heads held high after the effort they gave."
The Ephs will head home for a break before hitting the road to play Babson College next Saturday.
