Williamstown, MA – The Williams College Ephs (1-6-0, 1-4-0) faced off against the Amherst College Mammoths (4-3-0, 2-2-0) in a heated rivalry match up that marked the first time the two had met since the NESCAC Tournament Semifinals last season. The frustration would continue for the Ephs as Amherst secured a 4-3 victory, off another Williams own goal and some timely scoring from the Mammoths.
The first period saw both teams grappling for early control. It would be the Ephs who would come out with more dominance as most of the Grade-A chances were off of Williams' sticks. The Ephs would shoot early and often en route to forty shots on the day, with Amherst trailing close behind with 36. Despite a plethora of close proximity opportunities, it would be Amherst taking the initial lead at 17:08. The late goal ensured the road team took the lead to the locker room after the first period.
In the second period, Amherst extended their lead early at 4:14 with a statement goal to try and rattle the Ephs. Williams responded with strong persistence as
Logan Valkama found the back of the net off a shot from
Jared Lambright and a pass from
Jonah Gold. Down just a goal, Williams was hungry for more and put the pressure on the Mammoths' goal. The Ephs eliminated the deficit on a power play opportunity at 18:04, as
Owen Stadheim buried a goal assisted by
Henry Muller and
Conner Fitzpatrick. In front of an energized crowd, the Ephs looked for a big third period with the score tied 2-2.
Amherst had other plans as they quickly regained the lead at 1:26 following an unfortunate bounce off an Ephs' skate into the back of the net. Desperate for the tying goal, the Ephs threw everything they had at the net, but to no avail. With time winding down, Williams would elect to pull their goalie. After a few quick chances in front of goal, Amherst would throw a puck at the net and extend their lead to 4-2. Despite the dagger, Williams refused to back down as
Sean Clarke scored with just 25 seconds left in the game, assisted by
Owen Stadheim. A last ditch effort would give the Ephs a small chance, but it was squandered and the game ended 4-3 Mammoths.
Eph head coach
Bill Kangas had this to say after the game: "There is not much to say after a loss like this. Before the season we couldn't have expected to go undefeated, nor could we have thought to be where we are now. The only way from here is up, and with the pressure we are bringing to games our luck is bound to turn".
Williams College will look to end the losing streak tomorrow at 3pm versus Hamilton.
