WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. - Senior captain
Ansley Burns recorded her first collegiate two-goal game for the Williams College women's soccer team Sunday afternoon during a 4-0 victory over Skidmore on Cole Field.
First-year
Maya Lloyd posted her first game-winning tally for the Ephs (3-1, 2-1 NESCAC) during the first half, and then first-years
Olivia Bevilacqua and
Ella Ryan tallied their first collegiate goal and assist, respectively, in the second half. Senior goalkeeper
Margaret Huelin earned her third clean sheet of the season, shutting out the Thoroughbreds (1-2-2) with two saves.
"I am really proud of our team today with how it showed up to compete in our first home match," said head coach
Sarah Raymond. "Sometimes, it is difficult to bring the same intensity to a non-conference game after a win like yesterday, but this group energized each other and played with composure and patience. It was a total team effort and there were some amazing goals. We also had some really great play that did not end up in a goal, but we can see the potential. I am very happy with everyone that played defense to stay focused throughout the game and earn another clean sheet."
The Ephs held a significant possession and territorial advantage for the majority of the game. Huelin made a quick reaction save during the 18th minute on a shot by Abby Lewis inside the 18-yard box. The hosts claimed a 1-0 advantage in the 36th minute, as Bevilacqua delivered a pass to Lloyd outside the box with her back to a defender. The Lexington, Massachusetts, native eluded two defenders with decisive moves, and then drove a shot from the left side of the box that ricocheted off the top-left corner on the crossbar and into the net.
Burns struck 1:10 into the second half, as she curved a corner kick from the right attacking side over the goalkeeper's head and into the net untouched by any teammate. During the 53rd minute, junior
Bria Abbiati's attempt from beyond the box was deflected by a defender, and then Burns followed up with a shot that sailed over the goalkeeper's head and crossed the goal line.
The Ephs ended the scoring in the 78th minute, with Bevilacqua orchestrating and finishing the scoring sequence. The Ann Arbor, Michigan, native placed a ball in the perfect location inside the box, and then Ryan redirected the cross but Skidmore's goalkeeper Avery Rogers made an outstanding diving stop. Bevilacqua did not give up on the play and pursued the rebound, burying a shot.
Williams, which defeated No. 4-ranked Amherst, 1-0, on Saturday, completed the 2-0 weekend, as the Ephs held a 25-3 lead in shots and an 11-2 advantage in shots on goal. Abbiati finished with a game-leading four shots, while Burns and Ryan each registered three.
The Ephs will be back in action on Saturday with a 1 p.m. NESCAC matchup against Trinity on Cole Field.
Â
