SWARTHMORE, PA – The Williams College Ephs (12-1) secured a victory against Swarthmore College (9-6) today 3-1. After being tied at one through three quarters, the Ephs found the breakthrough in the fourth quarter to claim their twelfth win of the season. Eph head coach
Alix Barrale remarked, "What a win! We had to battle the heat, fatigue, and a slower turf surface. We fought hard and pulled out the win. I am incredibly proud of our team and their tenacity and will to win."
Overall, Williams led with 10 shots on goal compared to Swarthmore's 5. The Ephs had a total of 10 penalty corners, while Swarthmore earned 12. Williams goalkeeper first year Ellie Smith made 4 saves, while Swarthmore's Cassandra Conklin was kept busy saving a total of 7 shot attempts from the Ephs throughout the match.
The first quarter saw Williams pressing early, with a penalty corner by Linda Bibeau at 6:24. Anna Miller's initial shot was saved by Conklin, but the Ephs kept up the pressure, and at 6:47, Miller found the back of the net after an assist by Bibeau, putting Williams ahead 1-0.
In the second quarter, Swarthmore responded. A penalty corner from Emma Duffield set up a goal by Sophia Hitchingham at 20:00, leveling the score at 1-1. Both teams fought for control, but the half ended tied.
The third quarter was dominated by Williams, with numerous penalty corners and shots on goal by Pilar Torres and Linda Bibeau, but these were saved, leaving the score as 1-1.
In the fourth quarter, Williams found their rhythm. At 50:42, Pilar Torres scored off an assist from Kiki Higgins, giving the Ephs a 2-1 lead. Just minutes later, at 53:04, Linda Bibeau capitalized on another penalty corner, assisted by Tess Everett, to extend the lead to 3-1. Williams' defense held strong for the remainder of the game, and the Ephs closed out the victory.
The Ephs will return to action this Saturday, facing Connecticut College at 1 p.m. on Williamson Field in what will be their second-to-last NESCAC match of the regular season.
