Amherst, MA – The historic rivals faced off once again today as the #16 Williams College Ephs (5-5, 3-3) hit the road to face #15 Amherst College (6-3, 3-2). Despite an early lead by the Ephs, Amherst would take charge and score early and often to control the game and defeat Williams 12-4.
It was a dream start for the traveling Ephmen as they took a 1-0 lead just twenty-four seconds in.
Drew Nicholson set up
Finlay MacKnight for the senior's 8th goal of the campaign. The Mammoths would not lie dormant for long, however, as the remainder of the first frame belonged to them. The home side fired home four goals in four minutes following Williams' goal to claim a 4-1 lead. Eph goalie
Matt Wetmore would be instrumental in keeping it a three-goal game as the netminder made eleven saves in the opening quarter.
Williams began to steady the boat and grabbed more of a foothold in the contest as the second period progressed. That being said, Amherst was be the first to find the net in the frame and extended the Ephs' deficit to four goals. With three minutes remaining in the half, Williams clawed back into the game with a goal from
Ryan Johnson. That momentum was quickly cut out, however, with a response goal from the Mammoths to end the half 6-2 in favor of Amherst.
The home team came out with a similar vigor in the second half and their offensive push resulted in a goal at the eleven minute mark. The game adopted a much more open and free-flowing rhythm as the game motored on. Williams began to match the shot volume of their opponents, but could not find the back of the net to get themselves back into the game. Amherst buried two late goals in the third frame to extend their lead to 9-2 heading into the final quarter.
Just a minute into the fourth quarter, the Mammoths expanded the lead to eight goals.
Matt Wetmore continued to impress as his save tally reached twenty during the quarter. Despite the lack of offense from the two teams in the final quarter, the game featured back-and-forth action that truly defines this Little-Three match up and intense rivalry. Amherst increased their lead to 12-2 as time ticked down. The Ephs turned it on late as
Calvin Caputo set up
Harrison Cross for a third Williams' goal. Williams added a consolation goal with just eleven seconds left on the clock as the game finished 12-4 Amherst.
After the game, Eph head coach
George McCormack said, "Amherst outplayed us in many facets today. I do think there were some bright spots today though, namely our goalie play and the effort on the defensive side of the ball."
Williams will look to bounce back as they host Hamilton College on Wednesday at 5pm.
