WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. - The 2025-26 Williams College women's ice hockey journey was an epic ride, as the Ephs finished the season ranked No. 5 in the final edition of the USCHO Division III rankings on March 30.
The Ephs (18-5-5, 9-3-4 NESCAC) recorded the most single-season wins for the program since the 2018-19 season. Williams advanced to the Elite Eight of the national tournament for the third time in program history, while also securing its second-ever NCAA win and winning and hosting its first NESCAC playoff game since 2019.
The Ephs defeated then-No. 11-ranked Plattsburgh State in a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory during the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Division III Tournament at Lansing Chapman Rink on March 14. Third-seeded Williams outlasted sixth-seeded and visiting Wesleyan, 5-3, in the NESCAC Quarterfinals on Feb. 28.
Williams defeated four ranked opponents, going 2-0 against eventual NESCAC runner-up Colby and Plattsburgh State, while embarking on a 16-game undefeated streak with a 13-0-3 record from Nov. 19 - Jan 31. Williams held 19 opponents to one or fewer goals. The balance on the Ephs' roster was outstanding with many scoring threats, as 10 student-athletes finished with between 10 and 19 points.
Seniors
Erin Pye and
Claire Murphy were named to the CCM/American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) Division III East All-American Second and Third Team, respectively. Murphy and senior assistant captain
Lucie Bond were honored on the NESCAC All-Conference First and Second Team, respectively.
Pye, a goaltender, was also one of seven finalists for the Laura Hurd Award. The Hurd Award is given annually to the best NCAA Division III women's ice hockey student-athlete in the country. Pye was named NESCAC Player of the Year, while also earning a spot on the All-Conference First Team. The Third Lake, Illinois, native ranked second across the entire NCAA landscape with a .965 save percentage this season.
