WILLIAMSTOWN, MA. - The Williams College Ephs started their season on the right foot against the Clark University Cougars, winning 8-0 in their season opener.
With just a little over 5 minutes left in the first quarter, sophomore Kiki Higgins proved to be too much for Clark's defense as her speed and control led to the first goal of the season. Just six seconds left in the opening quarter, senior Elizabeth Scarcella found Higgins for the second goal of the night.
The Ephs continued with high press in the second quarter and at the 26:37 mark, senior Molly Hellman assisted sophomore Pilar Torres on what would be the third goal of the night.
Hellman continued to play a crucial role in offense, this time finding sophomore Natalia Nolan at the 33:14 mark, giving the Ephs a 4-0 lead. After providing an assist earlier in the game, Scarcella herself found the back of the net from the penalty kick spot. First year Tess Everett scored her first collegiate goal at the 37:02 mark. Junior Kaela Smith got her name on the scoresheet with less than a minute left in the quarter with the Ephs leading 7-0.
Sophomore Chloe Bush netted the 8th and final goal for the Ephs, 50 seconds into the fourth quarter.
On the night, the Ephs fired a total of 32 shots with 20 of those on goal. The Ephs defense kept the Clark Cougars to just 2 shots throughout the game. Senior Gates Tenerowicz picked up her first clean sheet of the season.
"Great way to start off the season," said Eph head coach Alix Barrale after the game. "It's always exciting when everyone gets to play and contribute. Top to bottom, we did a great job controlling the tempo of the game. We were a little bit nervous in the first quarter but came together and took control as the game progressed. Their defense was very good and their goalkeeper had some phenomenal saves but we managed to remain focused and improve our finishing."
Up next for the Ephs are the Babson College Beavers. The contest is set to take place on Saturday, September 9th, at 11:00 AM on Williamson Field.
