Final Game of the Regular Season: The Ephs Defeat Continentals 1-0
WILLIAMSTOWN, MA – The Williams Women's Soccer Team (10-2-2, 7-2-1) defeated the Hamilton's Women's Soccer Team (5-6-3, 1-6-3) in a tough game today with the final score 1-0. The goal of the game was scored by first year Audrey Thomas during the second half of the match, with an assist by her fellow first year Katie Wardlaw. Today's game concluded the regular season and the team is now preparing for playoffs.
Both teams came in evenly matched today, for neither could score on each other during the first half. Even with Williams' strong offensive plays, the Hamilton College Continentals kept up their defense and thwarted all attempts to make a goal. Many great shots were taken on both sides as the Continentals shot 3 of their 7 shots in the game and the Ephs took a total of 8 this half.
After a deadlocked first half, the teams returned back to the field reenergized, especially the Williams Ephs who made 10 of their 18 shots during the second half. The Williams Ephs offense started off the second half aggressively, making multiple plays on Hamilton's side of the field. They spent much more of the time in the attacking third this half.
Williams Women's Soccer Coach Michelyne Pinard comments on today's game that "Our conference is definitely very tough and the level the game today demanded was high. Even though we did not settle into the game during the first half, we definitely did during the second."
The Continentals also had many opportunities at the goal. A few minutes into the second half, Hamilton's sophomore Becca Rees dribbled the ball down the field into top of the box past all of the Williams defenders. As she shot the ball, her shot barely missed the top crossbar and was a very close attempt at the goal.
Williams retaliated with a strong offense. Halfway through the second half, the Ephs pushed the defense into the right side of the box. However, in the midst of the cluster, sophomore Crystal Lewin ran out wide, making herself completely open and even successfully received a pass from her fellow Ephs. She then shot, but barely missed the goal.
Minutes later, the ball was once again served into the Hamilton goalkeeper's box. After a few clever passes, Wardlaw kicked the ball to Thomas who was just inside the far post. Thomas then shot the ball in and scored, making the first goal and only goal for the Williams Ephs today.
The Continentals did not give up hope and played to end. They made another dangerous offensive attack minutes before the end of the match. The Hamilton Continentals pushed their way back into the box and made their seventh attempt to shoot. However, the ball was deflected by another player, which gave Williams' senior Carla Nicasio an opportunity to clear the ball. In the last regular match of the season, Nicasio's defense still stayed strong.
The Williams' Ephs outshot Hamilton's Continentals 18-7. The Williams goalkeeper Hannah Van Wetter made 5 saves in today's tough match. The Continentals goalkeeper Liza Gergenti made 7 amazing saves in today's game.
There was also a yellow card given out to Hamilton's Kendall Daly for the reckless foul of another player.
Coach Pinard is really proud of her team as she says " They definitely showed resilience and toughness in today's game, and I am really excited about heading into the playoffs."
The Ephs will return to the field on Saturday November 2nd. Their opponents and the site will be announced after tomorrow's other NESCAC matches.
