WILLIAMSTOWN, MA – In a NESCAC quarterfinal match on Saturday, the Williams Ephs (14-2, 9-1 NESCAC) defeated Connecticut College (6-10, 3-7 NESCAC) 2-0, showcasing their dominance on the field. The Ephs outshot Conn College 10-1, forcing Conn's goalie, Liz Winemaster, into making an impressive 8 saves. In contrast, Williams goalie
Ellie Smith only faced one shot, highlighting how the Ephs' strong defensive performance gave Conn College a hard time to break through.
Williams came out strong in the first quarter, pressing Conn College's defense and creating numerous opportunities. Linda Bibeau set the tone early, drawing two penalty corners and contributing to multiple shots by her teammates. However, despite shots by Bibeau, Meaghan Boehm, Kiki Higgins, and Claire Colvin, the quarter ended in a scoreless tie.
In the second quarter, Conn College managed their only shot on goal, but it was saved by Williams' goalie Ellie Smith, preserving the 0-0 tie at halftime.
Williams broke through in the third quarter with a goal by Madeline Rowland at 33:11, assisted by Laura Ryan. Rowland's goal ignited the Ephs' offense, as they continued to apply pressure on Conn College's defense. Laura Ryan and Kaela Smith followed up with saved shots, ending the quarter 1-0 for Williams.
Williams maintained their offensive intensity in the fourth quarter. Madeline Rowland opened the quarter with another saved shot and Linda Bibeau continued to generate opportunities through penalty corners. There were repeated shot attempts from 50:57 by Pilar Torres, Meaghan Boehm and Laura Ryan, yet these were either blocked or wide. Finally, at 56:12, Claire Colvin scored Williams' second goal, sealing the 2-0 victory for the Ephs.
"Hard fought win," said Ephhead coach Alix Barrale. "Conn had us on our heels in the first half. We came out in the third focused and determined to score. We executed and earned that win." said head coach Barrale.
With this quarterfinal win, the Ephs advance to semifinals at Middlebury on Saturday, November 9th.
