SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — The 18th-ranked Williams College women's soccer team led in total shots, 18-5, on Wednesday evening, but Skidmore utilized a first-half goal to defeat the Ephs, 1-0, at Wachenheim Field.
"It was a tough night and a disappointing result,"Â said seventh-year head coach
Sarah Raymond. "Skidmore took its chance when it had it and made us work to try to get back in the game. I do not think we made great decisions throughout the game and they costed us in the end. We will need to pick our heads up, take a good look at what we can do in better ways and get back to it for this weekend."
First-year goalkeeper
Giovanna Calvo made her collegiate debut for the Ephs (5-2-0, 5-1-0 NESCAC), making three saves. She denied a shot with a great deal of velocity at the top of the 18-yard box from Sarah Hailey of Skidmore (3-2-2, 0-1-1 Liberty League) during the 68th minute to keep the deficit at one.
During the 18th minute, Mara Grace showcased tremendous footwork at midfield and worked her way around an Eph defender. She then placed a through ball down the right attacking side onto the feet of Ellianna Caporusso, who dribbled around the goalie before placing the game-winning goal into the back of the net.
Senior captain and forwardÂ
Bria Abbiati led all student-athletes with six total shots and three on target. During the 14th minute, junior forward
Elizabeth Stophel made a run down the right side of the Ephs' attacking end, and then placed a cross into the box. Abbiati sent a shot toward the bottom right corner of the goal, but Thoroughbreds' goalie Sophia Sayers was able to deny the attempt.
During the 84th minute, Williams tried to generate the equalizer, but first-year forward and midfielder
Alli Aleman's shot from inside the box went wide right. The Ephs held a 7-4 advantage in shots on goal. The visitors attempted five corner kicks and the hosts were awarded two. Sayers made seven saves in the winning effort for Skidmore.
The Ephs compete against Connecticut College Saturday at 1:30 p.m. on Cole Field.
Â
