Williams Field Hockey topple Connecticut College, 2-1
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Camel senior Jen Wallace scored the first and only goal for Conn. College shortly after the first period began (8:32) off an assist by junior Abby Hine on a penalty corner. In spite of this setback, the Ephs' resolve was only hardened as they played an aggressive first half tallying 12 shots, 8 on goal, to the Camels 3, 1 on goal. Both teams had 3 penalty corners for the period.
Intense play on both sides was marked by officials giving out 3 green cards on separate occasions over the course of the game: two went to Abby Hine resulting in the Camels playing with one less player for the duration of the 5 minute penalty, while Eph first-year Kelli Nault (Longmeadow) received the third. Hine also shot wide on a penalty stroke rewarded to the Camels 10 minutes into the first half after a deliberate foul was committed by an Eph defender in the circle.
Williams assertiveness ultimately paid off in the second half when sophomore Lucy Rollins (Rye, NY) scored their first goal 55:05 into the game off a pass by sophomore Ariel Lyddane (Greenwhich, CT). Ephs gained the lead for good with 5 minutes remaining in the game when de Saint Phalle hit net off another assist by Lyddane. The Ephs' finished the second period with 10 shots, 4 on goal, to the Camels 5, 2 on goal. Williams tallied 2 more penalty corners than Conn. College ending with 4 for the half.
Junior goalie Katrina Tulla (New Canaan, CT) was in the net all 70 minutes of the game and had 3 saves for the Ephs'. Camel first-year goalie Kelly Brennan also played the full 70 minutes tallying 11 saves.
Williams three senior captains each significantly contributed to today’s win. Amy Siedlecki (Madison, CT) added a great defensive performance while Whit Thayer (Lancaster, PA) has been a consistent presence on the field this season. Anne de Saint Phalle played her first game back for the Ephs' on a torn ACL and still continued to lead effectively and serve as an inspiration knocking in today’s game winning goal. Sophomore Ariel Lyddane also played a key offensive role putting constant pressure on the Camel’s defense.
Coach Alix Burrale was pleased with her team’s ability to come back from a one goal deficit to not only tie up the game, but clinch the win: “Today’s competition was a big step for us to grow and develop together as a team.”
The Ephs' will play away next Saturday against Colby at Noon.
