WILLIAMSTOWN, MA - The Williams College Ephs (5-0, 2-0) continued their undefeated season with a 2-0 victory over the Amherst Mammoths (3-1, 1-1) this Saturday. Sophomore forward
Claire Colvin scored both Williams goals.The Ephs displayed resilience and teamwork, securing a hard-fought win in front of their home crowd.
Both teams played an intense match, with Amherst out shooting Williams 17-12. The Ephs' defense stood strong, with Williams goalkeeper making 6 crucial saves, while Amherst recorded only 2 saves. In terms of penalty corners, Amherst held a slight edge, earning 9 to Williams' 7, but the Ephs capitalized on their opportunities when it mattered most, securing their win towards the end of the game.Â
The game began with high energy from both sides. Within the first minute, the Ephs launched multiple offensive attempts, including a shot each by Kiki Higgins and Pilar Torres, followed by a penalty corner from Claire Colvin in the opening three minutes. Despite the aggressive start, the first quarter ended 0-0.
The second quarter was a fierce, back-and-forth battle between both teams. The Ephs earned a penalty corner at 24:15, taken by Claire Colvin, but a shot from Pilar Torres failed to find the back of the net. Both teams remained strong defensively, maintaining the 0-0 scoreline. Eph head Coach Alix Barrale said "Ellie Smith was spectacular in goal as was our defensive corner unit! They faced 6 corners within 2 1/2 minutes and fought off a threatening Amherst offense."
The Purple Cows came out strong after halftime, with another penalty corner by Claire Colvin at 33:46 and a shot from Laura Ryan. Although Amherst's defense held firm, the Ephs broke the deadlock at 41:50 when Claire Colvin scored the first goal of the match, assisted by Kiki Higgins.
The final quarter was action-packed. The Ephs continued to battle, winning several penalty corners and refusing to settle for the 1-0 lead. Their efforts were rewarded at 58:39 when Claire Colvin struck again, assisted by Madeline Rowland, securing her third goal of the season and sealing the 2-0 victory for Williams. "Amherst executed a good game plan that kept us on our toes," noted Barrale. "So proud of how we powered through and battled back to take the win."Â
With this win, the Ephs improve to 5-0 and look ahead to their next match against Trinity College next Saturday at 12:00 PM in Hartford, Connecticut.
