WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. - Senior captain
Kiki Higgins of the No. 5-ranked Williams College field hockey team scored her team-leading third game-winning goal of the season Saturday afternoon, as the Ephs defeated Trinity, 1-0, during NESCAC action on Williamson Field.
Higgins now has 100 career points and she leads the Ephs (5-1, 3-0 NESCAC) this season with six goals and 14 points, ranking second and third, respectively, in the two categories in the NESCAC. The Weston, Massachusetts, native is also ranked in a tie for the first in the conference in game-winners.
Sophomore goalkeeper
Ellie Smith recorded her third shutout of the season, making three saves. Williams has emerged victorious in four consecutive matchups against Trinity (2-3, 0-3 NESCAC).
"We did a nice job executing our game plan," said head coach
Alix Barrale. "We struggled a bit finishing in front of the net. Trinity had very good and strong defense. Ellie was once again clutch when the pressure was on."
Higgins nearly put Williams up 1-0 during the seventh minute, as she gained entry into the circle by dribbling around two defenders but Bantams' goalkeeper Hayley Gable made a decisive move out of the net and made an aggressive stop. Smith responded and made a strong kick save on a drive from straight on by Lindsay Rogers during the 20th minute.
During the 26th minute, senior
Natalia Nolan flicked a pass from the right edge of the circle onto Higgins' stick right in front of the net. She quickly took a shot that was saved by Gable, but her tenacity allowed her to place a follow-up attempt pass the goal line.
Williams almost took a two-goal lead into the fourth quarter off a penalty corner by junior
Claire Colvin with 46 seconds on the clock. Senior captain
Pilar Torres received the ball, and then quickly dished to Higgins, who directed a ball into a scrum in front of the net. Colvin and junior
Laura Ryan had opportunities from close range, but Ryan's shot was turned aside by Gable.
The Ephs held a 14-7 lead in shots and an 11-3 advantage in shots on goal. Williams was awarded six penalty corners and Trinity attempted three, while Higgins led all student-athletes with four shots on goal.
The Ephs will be back in action on Saturday, Sept. 27, with an 11 a.m. matchup against Colby on Williamson Field.
Â
