Tufts Wins Shootout, 2-1 Against Williams

MIDDLEBURY, VT - In a thrilling NESCAC semifinal showdown, the Williams College Ephs (14-3) faced the Tufts Jumbos (15-2) in a match that ended in a double overtime and a nerve wrecking shootout. Despite strong effort, the Ephs fell 3-2 during shootouts and the Jumbos secured their spot in the NESCAC finals.

During the match, the Jumbos outshot the Ephs with 18 shots on goal compared to Williams' 9. Tufts also dominated in penalty corners, earning 13 opportunities while Williams secured 4. Defensively, Williams' goalkeeper Ellie Smith delivered a remarkable performance, making 16 saves, while Tufts' goalie, Lydia Eastburn, recorded 6 saves.

The Ephs started off the first quarter of the match strong, earning their first goal at 7:12 from Claire Colvin. However, the Jumbos applied offensive pressure for the rest of the quarter and at 14:36, following a penalty corner by Kayleigh McDonald, Gabby Sousa scored Tufts first goal of the match, assisted by Eleanor Luft. With no time left for the Ephs to make another score, the quarter ended with a tied score of 1-1. 

Tufts dominated the early part of the second quarter, registering eight shots and a penalty shot within the first 7 minutes of the quarter, which were all saved by Williams' goalie Ellie Smith. At minute 27:35, Williams flipped the dominance their way with Pilar Torres making the first shot attempt which was saved by Tufts goalie. After this attempt, the Ephs gained momentum and earned several shot attempts including a penalty corner by Linda Bibeau at 27:36 and two saved shot attempts by Torres and Colvin. After a penalty corner at 28:44 by Bibeau, Kaela Smith netted the Ephs second goal of the match, assisted by Torres and her number 1 goal for the season, putting the Ephs ahead 2-1 at halftime. 

The Jumbos increased their offensive pressure during the third quarter, limiting Williams to one shot by Pilar Torres, which was saved by Tufts' goalie Lydia Eastburn. Tufts recorded six shots and one penalty corner but could not break through Williams Goalie Ellie Smith, leaving the score at 2-1 in favor of Williams by the end of the quarter. 

Tufts came out aggressively, seeking to level the score. After a series of three penalty corners within the first two minutes, Andrea Delgiudice scored at 46:54, assisted by Lainie Pearson and Kayleigh McDonald, tying the game 2-2. Tufts continued their offensive push, but Williams held firm, ending the quarter 2-2 and thus sending the match into overtime.

During both overtimes, both teams battled intensely for a decisive goal. Williams' Keira Harder and Meaghan Boehm had shots saved by Eastburn, while Tufts' Claire Gavin narrowly missed. The overtimes ended with no additional goals and sent the match to a shootout.

Williams' Pilar Torres began the shootout but was denied by Tufts' goalie Lydia Eastburn. Tufts' Andrea Delgiudice responded by scoring past Ellie Smith, giving Tufts an early edge. Williams evened the score when Claire Colvin found the back of the net, while Tufts' Kylie Rosenquest missed, saved by Smith. The pressure continued as Williams' Kiki Higgins was stopped by Eastburn, followed by a miss from Tufts' Hannah Murray, once again saved by Smith. The tension mounted as Linda Bibeau of Williams was denied by Eastburn. Tufts' Hannah Biccard then delivered a critical goal, putting Tufts ahead. In the final attempt, Williams' Meaghan Boehm was unable to convert, sealing the shootout win for Tufts.

After the match Eph head coach Alix Barrale noted, "So incredibly proud of our team! We fought hard and came up short. Ellie Smith was unbelievable in goal. She made sensational saves and stopped a penalty stroke! Looking forward to our next chapter in NCAA Tournament."