Ephs Fall To Panthers In Senior Day Doubleheader

Scores:    

Williams 3, Middlebury 4

Williams 3, Middlebury 6

Location: Williamstown, MA

Records: Williams 11-10; Middlebury 14-10

The Short Story: 

The Ephs faced off against the Middlebury Panthers in today's senior day doubleheader at home in Williamstown. The Panthers took a 4-3 win in the first game, just barely edging out the Ephs in the last inning. Between games, three Eph seniors— Ronni Ramos, Taylor Wise, and Kelly McGuigan— were recognized for their contributions to the team. In the second game, Williams' defense had more struggles than in the first, and was unable to capitalize on runners in scoring position. The Ephs scored 3 runs, as they'd done in the first game, but the Panthers climbed to 6 runs after relentlessly attacking the Eph defense, resulting in a 6-3 win. 

Coach's Take: 

After the tough losses, Eph head coach Kris Herman said: "It's great when you feel crappy and you get to play Amherst tomorrow— that's always a good thing. We played pretty poorly today, and they did a good job of taking advantage of our mistakes. The NESCAC is so strong, anybody can win on any given day, but we did not play well enough to win, so we're not happy with that."

When asked what the problem was with the Ephs' play today, Herman said: "We were making mistakes that we have no business making, as the players that they are, and at this level. We were just a little bit tight, and we're going to keep fighting through it and get back after it tomorrow."

Coach Herman also recognized the seniors. "They're great, they're working really hard," she said. "It seemed like Kelly was hitting doubles all day long, which is what she does. I think they're all doing a great job. The class of '24 has had a tough road. They didn't have their last high school season, so we really want to do a good job for them as well. I'm proud of all three of them as humans and as players, and I'm happy to have them on our team."


 

Game 1

How it Happened 

• Two Eph seniors started off scoring for Williams in the 3rd inning. Taylor Wise bunted for a single, and then Ronni Ramos hit an RBI double to center field, allowing Wise to cross the plate. 

• After a run for the Panthers in the 1st inning, Katie Blanch pitched three consecutive scoreless innings.

• The Ephs continued their scoring in the 5th. Vicky Balderas started things off with a single. Alysa DeQuiroz followed up with a double to left field, and Balderas advanced to third base. Then, Kayla Chang hit an RBI single to third base. With an error, she was able to advance to second and Balderas scored. 

• The Panthers ramped up their offense, scoring in the 5th and 6th innings. Kelly McGuigan was able to get home in the 6th despite tough Middlebury defense. It was 3-3 going into the final inning.

• Middlebury was able to edge out the Ephs in the last inning, scoring their last run unearned on a tough passed ball.

Game 2

How it Happened 

• The Ephs scored their first run in the 4th inning. Katie Blanch was on first base when Sidney Miller bunted towards third base. With an error from first base on the throw to third, Blanch was able to score.

• Middlebury had kept the pressure on, and exploited gaps in the Williams defense, racking up three runs to the Ephs' one by the top of the 6th.

• The Ephs kept the Panthers scoreless in the 6th, and Alysa DeQuiroz was able to score off a Taylor Wise single.

• In the 7th inning Middlebury was able to put up three runs, extending their lead to 6-2. Kelly McGuigan scored from third base after a single from DeQuiroz, but that was all the Ephs were able to get.

• Despite having runners in scoring position in 6 out of 7 innings, the Ephs were only able to score 3 runs.