The Williams College Ephs (7-8-2, 4-5-1 NESCAC) fell to the #3 nationally ranked Plattsburgh State Cardinals (16-2-1, 11-1-0 SUNYAC), bringing their losing streak to three. The Ephs battled valiantly during this game, keeping the contest close despite having a limited number of players available.
By the Numbers
- Despite the loss, the Ephs recorded 31 shots on goal, trumping the Cardinals' 20.
- Both teams struggled on the power play: the Ephs were 0/2 while the Cardinals were 0/3.
- The Ephs' Quinn Dawson recorded a game-high 11 shot attempts.
- Erin Pye recorded a .950 save percentage in the cage.
Game Recap
The Cardinals scored the first, and only, goal of the game a few minutes into the first period, and it proved to be all they needed offensively to secure their 7 game win streak.
The Cardinals opened up the period with the lion's share of shot attempts, but this changed when the Ephs received their first power play opportunity of the game due to a slashing penalty (5:52). However, the Cardinals held the Ephs to only two shots during the power play, both from forward Quinn Dawson. The Ephs' offensive momentum increased, and they were able to rattle off a number of consecutive shots. At 12:42, the Ephs were penalized for tripping and gave the Cardinals a power play chance. The Ephs' penalty kill unit held strong and prevented the home side from taking the lead. Just under two minutes later, the Ephs received another penalty, and the penalty kill unit was called to the ice again (16:26). Physical intensity characterized this penalty kill, and the Ephs ensured the game remained deadlocked at 0-0 for the remainder of the first.
The Cardinals tallied the opening goal of the game 5:22 in, and the Ephs spent the remainder of the 2nd period trying to respond. While they were able to get great chances on net, the stellar play of the Cardinals' Lilla Nease in goal held the Ephs scoreless. A penalty a little over midway into the period gave the Cardinals their 3rd power play of the game, but once again, the Ephs' penalty kill unit snuffed it out handedly.
Despite the Ephs' best efforts, they were unable to mount a successful comeback in the third period. In the game's last two minutes, they pulled goaltender Erin Pye, and with 7 seconds remaining they were able to draw a penalty. Eph head oach Megan Gillis called a timeout to draw up one final play—while Claire Murphy was able to fire a shot off, it was saved by Nease, and the game ended in a 1-0 defeat for the Ephs.
After the game, coach Gillis remarked, "Honestly, I was so impressed with the team's efforts tonight against the #3 team in the country with only 16 skaters and one goalie in the line up. We had chances to score and we minimized their chances against. We are excited to build off this momentum into a huge weekend against Trinity."
Next up for the Ephs, they will face the Trinity College Bantams away in Hartford, CT. Puck drop is scheduled for Friday, February 2nd at 7:30 PM.
