AMHERST, MA. - - The Williams College Ephs (5-2, 2-1 NESCAC) displayed a well balanced performance to take a 3-0 road win against the Amherst College Mammoths (5-4, 3-3 NESCAC) on Hill Field.
The Ephs' first goal came at the 12:16 mark of the first quarter. Senior Molly Hellman inserted the penalty corner to sophomore Pilar Torres, whose shot took a deflection and ended up in the top right corner of the goal..
The lone goal in the first quarter carried the lead for the Ephs at the break. The Ephs out shot the Mammoths 8-2 in the first half, with 4 of those shots being on target for Williams.
A high press to start the third quarter opened motre opportunities for the Ephs. The ball found first year Laura Ryan in the center of the striking circle at the 32:32 mark. Ryan launched a rocket into the top left corner to score the first goal of her collegiate career and put the Ephs 2-0 up.
Senior goalie Gates Tenerowicz read a developing play by the Mammoths to make a crucial save four minutes after the Ephs doubled their lead. The Mammoths' Kate Smith had a open shot, but Tenerowicz was quick to put her body on the line to maintain the two-goal lead heading into the final quarter.
Sophomore Kiki Higgins tallied the third goal for the Ephs with less than 7 minutes left in the contest. Higgins had her back to the goal but was able to find space to get a backhand shot into the top left corner.
Throughout the game the Williams defense limited the amount of space the Mammoths were given and helped deliver the shutout. Tenerowicz made three saves to keep the clean sheet.
On the day, the Ephs out shot the Mammoths 14-6. Williams had 9 shots on goal, while Amherst managed but 3 shots on goal.
"So proud of our team," stated Eph head coach Alix Barrale after the Ephs notched their first road win. "We did an amazing job of executing our game plan. We possessed really well and we converted on corners. We shut down their offensive leaders. We dominated the middle of the field and were able to make plays up on attack. Beautiful goals by Pilar, Laura, and Kiki! Gates was lights out in goal!"
Up next for the Ephs are the Connecticut College Camels. The contest is set to take place on Saturday, October 7th, at 12 PM in New London, CT.
