HADLEY, Mass. — Seniors
Keira Harder and
Claire Colvin of the sixth-ranked Williams College field hockey team were named to the NESCAC All-Conference First Team Tuesday morning, while first-year defender
Hannah Herlihy was recognized as Rookie of the Year and on the All-Conference Second Team.
All three outstanding student-athletes are receiving NESCAC All-Conference accolades for the first time in their collegiate careers. The trio has combined for 13 goals, 11 assists, 37 points and three game-winning goals this season for the Ephs (11-6, 6-4 NESCAC). Williams has defeated five ranked opponents in 2026, including Hamilton twice, Wesleyan, Bates and Babson.
Harder has scored a trio of goals this season, as she buried an insurance goal during the 38th minute in a 2-0 season-opening victory over then-No. 5 Bates on Sept. 6 in Williamstown, Massachusetts. She also scored a goal with 41 seconds remaining in the first half during a 5-1 win against Union on Sept. 23 in Schenectady, New York.
"Keira is the definition of a fierce competitor,"Â said 27th-year head coach
Alix Barrale '93. "She does everything for us, and does it with an intensity and determination that are unmatched. Whether she is shutting down an opponent, flying on defensive corners or creating opportunities offensively, Keira sets the standard. She has an incredible ability to rise to the occasion when we need her most. Her toughness, versatility and relentless competitive spirit have been invaluable to our success."
Colvin leads the team with seven assists, while also adding four goals and 15 points. The Winchester, Massachusetts, native ranks fifth in the NESCAC in assists, as she assisted on the game-winning tally and added an insurance goal during a 2-0 triumph for the fourth-seeded Ephs against then No. 6 and fifth-ranked Hamilton in the NESCAC Quarterfinals.
"Claire is one of the most dynamic and creative players I have had the pleasure of coaching," said Barrale. "Her ability to handle the ball, create space and generate offensive opportunities is extraordinary. What makes Claire so special is that her impact goes well beyond the statistics. She is often the player who makes the pass before the assist or creates something out of absolutely nothing. She plays with an infectious energy, fearlessness and joy that make everyone around her better."
Herlihy has compiled six goals, four assists and 16 points. The Andover, Massachusetts, native finished with two goals, including her first collegiate one and the game-winning tally, during a 2-0 victory over then-No. 6 Babson on Sept. 10.
"As a first year, Hannah has stepped into one of the most demanding positions on the field and performed with composure, consistency and confidence, which is truly special," said Barrale. "Her decision making, defensive instincts and ability to read the game are outstanding. Hannah has been the backbone of our defense from day one, playing virtually every minute of every game, while also contributing offensively. She does not need to be flashy to be dominant. Her brilliance is how effortlessly she makes difficult things look simple. Her future is bright."
The Ephs compete against Bridgewater State Wednesday at 6 p.m. during the first round of the NCAA Division III Tournament on Williamson Field.
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