MEDFORD, Mass. - The Williams College women's soccer team finished as NESCAC Runner-Up after a 1-1 draw against Tufts was decided in a penalty shootout, which the hosts won 5-3.
The Ephs finished the regular season tied with Tufts but the Jumbos held the tiebreaker and hosted the NESCAC tournament, and Tufts narrowly edged out Williams again on Sunday evening.
"What a game to end the NESCAC championship with," said Head Coach Sarah Raymond. "I am so proud of how hard we battled out there today against a very dangerous Tufts team.Â
"That was two top teams in the country going at it. While it's always so devastating to lose on PKs, we can hold our head high with finishing tied in the NESCAC final. It's a learning moment and we are excited for the next journey of NCAAs."
Williams had taken the lead in the game 20 minutes in when Elizabeth Stophel, who scored the game-winner against Middlebury on Saturday, scored her sixth of the season, chipping the goalkeeper from a tight angle.
After the goal, Tufts took control of possession but the Ephs defense held firm and allowed few good chances for the host team, who led Williams 11-6 in shots on goal. It was Tufts' final shot on target in regulation that broke through, as the Jumbos tied it late despite the play being initially whistled offside.
Margaret Huelin was again strong in goal for the Ephs, making a season-high ten saves on the day, one of many strong performances throughout the team.
The teams played two scoreless 10-minute overtime sessions before penalties, and Tufts finished their shots well, scoring on all five, with the Jumbos goalkeeper making one save that turned out to be the difference.
The game was the Ephs' first appearance in the NESCAC Championship game since 2018, and the team remains in good position for a bid to the NCAA Tournament, with a bracket, host schools, and opponents to be announced on Monday morning.
