WILLIAMSTOWN, MA – The Williams College Ephs (9-0, 6-0 NESCAC) continue their dominant season with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Bates College (6-3, 3-2 NESCAC) this Saturday, marking their sixth conference win. The game was a nail-biter, forcing the Ephs to battle for every inch of the field as Bates kept the pressure on throughout.
The first quarter saw both teams testing each other's defenses, with neither side able to break the deadlock. It was a back-and-forth period that ended 0-0, with minimal scoring opportunities for either team.
In the second quarter, the Ephs began to ramp up the offensive pressure. At the 19:03 mark, Williams' Kiki Higgins fired a shot that was saved by Bates goalie Ava Donohue. Just a few minutes later, at 22:05, Meaghan Boehm netted the first goal of the game, assisted by Higgins, being Higgins fourth assist of the season. Despite a penalty corner at 28:10 and a blocked shot by Pilar Torres shortly after, the Ephs ended the half leading 1-0.
The third quarter saw the Ephs continue to dominate. At 36:26, Boehm found the back of the net again, assisted once more by Higgins, pushing Williams' lead to 2-0. The Bobcats struggled to find opportunities as Williams' defense stood firm.
In the fourth quarter, Bates was able to come through. At 58:06, Sophie O'Sullivan scored. Despite the late-game surge, the Ephs held on to secure the 2-1 victory. Williams displayed strong defensive discipline under pressure, with their poised play ensuring another win.
Williams will return to action next Saturday at 11:30 a.m. as they face Wesleyan UNiversity in Middletown, Conn., in another NESCAC matchup.
