New London, CT – A rainy Saturday afternoon game saw Connecticut College (2-3, 1-2) hosting Williams College (4-2, 3-1). A four-goal third quarter would put the Ephs in a position to win the game, however, it would be the Camels who would come out victorious 11-9.
The opening frame would be one to forget for the Ephs as the home team erupted for five goals. Williams would still manage to keep the game within reach, however, with
Matthew Freitas making three big saves in the quarter.
Finlay MacKnight and
Jesse Shapiro would find the back of the net to limit the damage as the Ephs entered the second quarter down 5-2.
Conn College would once again come out of the gates hot, scoring twice in the first few minutes of the quarter. Williams would answer with two of their own, with
Pearse Glavin scoring off a fast break and MacKnight finishing a scramble in front. Despite a better quarter momentum-wise, Conn would have the final crack at goal just before the half. Freitas would make a stellar save from deep, but the rebound would be put home to end the first half with Williams down 8-4.
Hungry to maintain a perfect NESCAC record, the Ephs were flying in the third quarter.
Ryan Johnson would score and assist in the opening three minutes to claw the Ephs within two. A Connecticut response would dampen the Williams' run, but not for long.
Pearse Glavin would capitalize on an opportunity for his second of the game just 50 seconds later.
Calvin Caputo then brought the Ephs within one just before the end of the quarter.
The Ephs' third-quarter surge set the game up for an exciting finish in the ultimate quarter. Williams would throw everything they could at the Connecticut goal, registering thirteen shots in the final fifteen minutes. Their effort would go unrewarded as the Camels' netminder would hold down the fort enough to allow his offense to seal the game. With only three minutes remaining in the game, Conn would fire home two quick goals. A late Caputo tally would not be enough to surmount the deficit as the Ephs lost their first NESCAC game of the year.
Coach McCormack had this to say following the loss: "We were unable to overcome a poor start today, but I'm proud of how our team continued to compete until the final whistle, it is something we can build upon".
Williams will look to bounce back as they hit the road Wednesday to play Christopher Newport University at 2 PM.
