WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. - The No. 11-ranked Williams College field hockey team fell short, 1-0, to No. 14 Wesleyan on Saturday afternoon, as Marley Procopio buried the game-winning tally for the Cardinals during the fourth quarter on Williamson Field.
"It was a hard-fought loss," said head coach
Alix Barrale. "We are still trying to find our groove in front of the net. Wesleyan did a great job defending our corners and its circle defense was excellent."
Sophomore goalkeeper
Ellie Smith made three phenomenal saves in the first half for the Ephs (6-4, 4-3 NESCAC). Off a penalty corner in the sixth minute, she stopped a rocket from the edge of the circle by Leila Feldman, and then made a tremendous save on a follow-up attempt by Procopio from close range. During the 21st minute, the Wayland, Massachusetts, native made a remarkable diving stop on a shot by Meera Patel during a 3-on-1 situation.
The Cardinals (7-3, 3-3 NESCAC) buried the game-winning goal during the 47th minute off a penalty corner by Georgia Adams. Emily Smith received the ball and dribbled into the right side of the circle, and then placed a pass to Procopio, who redirected the ball into the bottom left corner of the net.
Senior captain
Kiki Higgins and first-year
Katie Sigrist combined for six shots. Audrey Pace earned the shutout in net for Wesleyan, making five saves.
The Ephs will be back in action on Sunday, Oct. 12, with a noon game against No. 1 Christopher Newport on Williamson Field.
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