Ephs Defeat Bowdoin and Advance to NESCAC Final

Score:    

Williams 10, Bowdoin 2

Location: Medford, MA 

Records: Williams 22-11; Bowdoin 24-16

The Short Story: 

The third seeded Ephs secured a commanding victory over seventh seeded Bowdoin in the NESCAC Semi-Finals. With exceptional pitching from Sadie Leonard, who notched an impressive eight strikeouts, the Ephs showed strong performances both defensively and at the plate. The Ephs batting came alive with Kelly McGuigan and Justine Dunaway both hitting two run homers in consecutive innings. Tayler Wise and Sydney Fleming also contributed with timely hitting, propelling the Ephs to a 8-run victory. The Ephs will face fifth seeded Trinity tomorrow in the NESCAC Final at Tufts University's Spicer Field. 

Coach's Take: 

"We had great pitching by Sadie who battled all day. Justine and Kelly with big home runs and solid at bats all around. We're excited and honored to be playing in the championship tomorrow." - Head Coach Kris Herman

How it Happened 

• Sadie Leonard had a strong performance in the circle, pitching all seven innings notching 8 strikeouts and allowing only 2 runs. 

• Alysa DeQuiroz scored the first run for the Ephs in the top of the third inning. After singling through the left side, DeQuiroz reached home on an RBI double by Kelly McGuigan to left field. McGuigan later scored on a sacrifice fly by Sydney Fleming, making the score 2-0. 

• In the fourth inning, an error by Bowdoin's second baseman allowed Ronnie Ramos to reach first base. Justine Dunaway followed up, launching a two-run homer to left field, further padding the Ephs' lead.

• Kelly McGuigan hit her sixth home run of the season in the top of the fifth inning. McGuigan's home run not only added to the Ephs' score but also allowed Alysa DeQuiroz, who had reached first on an error to reach home as well.

• The Ephs further widened their lead in the top of the fifth inning. Louisa Coughlin, pinch running for Sydney Fleming, crossed home plate for the seventh Eph run after an error by Bowdoin's first baseman. Following this run, Vicky Trujillo Balderas and Sydney Miller, both reaching base on singles, contributed two more runs to the score thanks to a 2 RBI single up the middle by Tayler Wise.

• Bowdoin scored two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning on a 2 RBI single. 

• Justine Dunaway scored the Ephs' final run at the top of the 10th inning. Dunaway doubled to right field and later scored on a passed ball.