WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. - The Williams College women's soccer team suffered a heartbreaking loss on penalty kicks on Sunday afternoon in the NCAA Second Round after a 2-2 draw with the University of Mary Washington.
"It's a heartbreaking way to go out," said Head Coach Sarah Raymond after the match. "We did enough in the game to win it but didn't, and that's always tough."
"Right now we're devastated for our seniors, who have been amazing leaders and really got us to this point."
The Ephs had the majority of possession and chances, but a tough Eagles squad and wild day of weather meant the game could go either way. It was 0-0 at halftime, and after Mary Washington took a lead just five minutes into the second half, the visitors were clinging to the lead as Williams pushed to tie the game.
When Williams finally broke through, the team got a pair of goals. The first was the result of the constant pressure, as a long free kick from Ansley Burns went into the box and deflected to the feet of Emmy Chung, who tucked in her first of the season from close range with just over nine minutes in regulation.
A brilliant goal from Bria Abbiati gave the Ephs a lead less than three minutes later. Chung played the forward through the defense, and Abbiati drilled a shot into the top corner.
Mary Washington fought back, and after a free kick into the Ephs' box, the Eagles pushed the ball across the line to force overtime.
The wind, a factor all game, meant that both teams had chances in overtime, with the majority coming in the first 10 minutes when Williams had the advantage. The Ephs couldn't find a winner, and ultimately the match went to penalties.
Mary Washington then made a save on the first shot and proceeded to convert their kicks from the spot, and after the visitors scored their fourth, the result was clinched, 4-2.
The match was the final game for four Williams seniors: Ansley Burns, Margaret Huelin, Paige Nelson, and Brianna Wright, who all had excellent careers as Ephs and contributed greatly to the program.
The Ephs finish the season with a record of 13-2-5, the most wins since 2018, having also earned a share of first place during the NESCAC regular season.
