Box Score Medford, MA — The #3 Williams College Ephs faced off against the #2 Middlebury Panthers in the second round of the NESCAC playoffs. With a few minutes remaining in the second quarter, Middlebury would score to go up 7-6, gaining a lead that they would not concede as the Ephs fell 13-7.
The Ephs would get out to their trademark 1-0 lead just forty-five seconds into the game as
Calvin Caputo opened the scoring. Middlebury would quickly answer, firing two home to take the lead. Caputo and
Finlay MacKnight made sure to provide a response by scoring just twenty seconds apart. The Panthers would get one back, but two late goals from
Zachary Romrell and Pearce Glavin would put the Ephs up 5-3 at the end of the period.
Middlebury came out in the second frame with a vengeance, out-scoring the Ephs 5-2 in the quarter. Romrell's two goals in the quarter wouldn't be enough to stymie the Middlebury comeback as the momentum in the game had swung in the Panthers' direction.
Middlebury would ride out this wave in the third quarter, grabbing full control of the contest. The Ephs offense was tested throughout the second half as the Panthers held the Ephs to only three shots on target. Williams would also maintain a strong defensive record in the second half, but the damage had been done as the Panthers extended their lead to 9-7 in the quarter.
The final quarter proved to be much of the same as Williams failed to crack through the difficult Panthers' defense. Middlebury would tack on three more goals in the final quarter to end the game with an expansive 13-7 lead.
After the game, Eph head coach
George McCormack spoke of the team and their season: "I am really proud of our team and all they accomplished. We will never forget the amazing leadership displayed by our captains and seniors. Our underclassmen have a solid blueprint for future success going forward".
Although the season didn't end on the note they wanted, the Ephs put together a great season with some absolutely highlight real games!
