MIDDLEBURY, VT - The Ephs (13-2, 9-1) lost 3-0 to the reigning Division III National Champions, the Middlebury Panthers (14-1, 9-1) this Tuesday in their last NESCAC regular season match. Middlebury, who has claimed six consecutive NESCAC championships.
From the start, Middlebury showed control across the field. Middlebury out shot Williams 19-0, 7 of the being shots were on goal. Middlebury was able to claim 5 penalty corners while unfortunately the Ephs were not able to generate offensive opportunities.
The opening quarter saw Middlebury testing Williams' defense early on, with the Panthers firing off 5 shots and earning 1 penalty corner. However, the Ephs held strong, successfully fending off Middlebury's attacks. As a result of the team's solid defense, Williams managed to keep the game scoreless, and the period ended 0-0.
Middlebury continued to assert control in the second quarter, adding 4 more shots and another penalty corner. Once more, Williams' defense remained strong, preventing any goals.
In the third quarter, Middlebury's offense was able to break through. At 39:44, Hanna Medwar scored the first goal of the game, off an assist by Amy Griffin. Just three minutes later, at 42:38, Katherine Lantzy scored another goa. The quarter ended with a 2-0 lead for Middlebury.
Middlebury sealed their victory in the final period with a third goal at 51:56, when Lilly Branka scored off an assist by Megan Fuqua. The Panthers continued to apply pressure with 6 additional shots and 2 penalty corners, but Williams goalie Ellie Smith was outstanding, making several impressive saves to keep the scoreline from widening further.
Eph head coach
Alix Barrale said, "I thought we executed our game plan really well. We played an excellent defensive game but came up short generating any offense. Hopefully we will get another shot at them."
Next up for the Ephs is NESCAC Tournament First Round game vs. Connecticut Cllege on Saturday at 1 PM on Williamson Field.
