WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The 11th-ranked Williams College field hockey team could not have scripted a better start to its 2026 season, as the Ephs defeated defending NESCAC champion and No. 5 Bates, 2-0, behind a pair of third-period goals on Sunday at Williamson Field.

"We played with great energy and purpose," said 27th-year head coach Alix Barrale '93. "Bates made us work for everything. I was pleased how we stayed patient, competed and continued to make adjustments based on what they were giving us."

The Ephs (1-0, 1-0 NESCAC) have won three of the last four meetings with the Bobcats (0-1, 0-1 NESCAC), including a thrilling 2-1 victory during the 2023 NESCAC Semifinals. On Sunday, Williams held a 20-1 advantage in shots, including an 8-0 lead in shots on goal. The hosts were awarded 15 penalty corners and did not relinquish a single one to Bates.

Neither team was able to find the back of the net in the opening 30 minutes, as the Ephs led the first half in shots and penalty corners, 8-0, respectively. During the third quarter, sophomore midfielder Katie Sigrist intercepted a pass by a Bobcats' defender, and then dribbled into the circle before locating senior forward Haley McAuslin. The Cumberland, Maine, native spun left and buried a turnaround shot into the bottom right corner with 8:55 on the scoreboard, as the tally stood up as the game-winning goal.

Shortly after the first goal, senior forward and midfielder Claire Colvin played a penalty corner to Sigrist, who then located sophomore midfielder Leah Hong on the left attacking side of the circle. Hong one-timed the pass into a scrum in front of the net, picking up her first collegiate point with an assist. Senior defender Keira Harder redirected the ball into the right side for a 2-0 advantage with 7:28 remaining in the third.

Junior goalkeeper Ellie Smith earned her 25th career win and 14th shutout. Goalie Naeve Lustig made six saves for the visitors. Colvin led all student-athletes with four shots.

The Ephs compete against third-ranked Babson Thursday at 6:30 p.m. on Williamson Field.