New London, CT – The Williams College Ephs (3-5,1-3) were back playing in the NESCAC against the Connecticut College Camels (4-4, 1-4). The Ephs were strong all afternoon on Silfen Field, taking the lead early and holding for the entire game. Players up and down the roster were all making an impact,
Jesse Shapiro tallying a hat-trick,
Nolan Cooleen burying his first of the season, along with defensemen such as
Wyatt Cotton and
Tucker Graham looking strong around goalie Matt Metmore. It was a great afternoon to secure good points in the NESCAC as they prepare to play Tufts University on Wednesday.
It took a few minutes for goals to start falling, despite pressure coming from the offense, but it was leading scorer
Jesse Shapiro finding his first, unassisted, goal of the afternoon off a solid play through the midfield.
Nolan Cooleen found his first of the season, the senior picking up a great ball from
Will Doran before, only 30 seconds later,
Ryan Johnson gave the Ephs a two-goal lead. Williams' third goal developing from a great play and faceoff win by FOGO
Ethan Filler and
Aidan Housenbold. Williams was walking out of this one leading 3-1.
Despite dropping a goal early in the quarter, the Ephs were playing such a strong game that they responded right away.
Ethan Filler got the ball headed the right direction off the faceoff and
Drew Nicholson jumped in to secure possession. On the attack,
Jesse Shapiro was able to find the stick of
Will Doran who made no mistake in finding the back of the Camels net. The second quarter then became all Williams. 4 unanswered goals from
Davis Miller,
Ian Kim, Ryan Nagel, and
Ryan Johnson were all that remained. This was a clear example of a team that was relentless to earn their victory after so many prior matchups slipped away only by a goal. Doran just about had another goal at the 1-second mark, but it was picked up by Connecticut's goalie.
The third quarter started with the Camels looking to try and take back some momentum. Senior goaltender
Matt Wetmore came up with a pair of huge saves to maintain William's strong lead.
Eddie Loyd and
Wyatt Cotton were both showing out strong for the Eph's defense, Cotton even assisting on the first goal of the quarter by
Harrison Cross. Williams' day just kept getting better,
Nolan Cooleen and Jack Sartorious connecting for goal number 10, and
Jesse Shapiro driving home his second of the day home to leave Williams leading 11-3 walking into the fourth.
It was a great effort from the Camels, but Williams would not be denied today. It was a top to bottom effort by the boys in purple today.
Tucker Graham sent home Williams' 12
th goal with an awesome individual effort through the offensive zone,
Jesse Shapiro completed his hat trick, and
Harrison Cross connected with
Will Doran to tally the final goal, leaving this one at 14-5. With how hard the boys have been working; it was clear their efforts were paying off today. Their ball movement was crisp, their effectiveness in the offensive zone was clear and they had great defensive zone plays to lock down the house and get the ball moving up field.
