Williams women’s soccer: #1 Ephs finish off perfect regular season with 1-0 defeat of Middlebury
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Middlebury came into today’s contest with a 7-1 conference record that placed the Panthers just two spots below Williams in the NESCAC standings, and the Ephs knew it would be a tough battle against the third-ranked team in New England. What they didn’t expect was to go toe-to-toe for 90 minutes, challenged every single step of the way.
“They [Middlebury] are the best team we have seen,” said Williams’ head coach Michelyne Pinard. They were unbelievable today, and did such a good job on the ball. It really forced us to defend more than we’re used to, and when we had hold of the ball we didn’t take care of it like we like to as well.”
The Panthers dominated time on the ball for the first half, and much of the second half. It is a credit to the Ephs defense that the home squad couldn’t find the back of the net, despite out shooting Williams, 15-5. It marked the first game this season that the Ephs were out shot by their opponents.
Despite not playing their best soccer, the top-ranked team in the nation was able to stave off the opposition. With the clock winding down, Annelise Snyder found Walmsley streaking down the field on her right, and chipped her the ball. Walmsley collected, and nailed a shot to the far corner for the goal.
“It is unbelievable what this team has been able to do,” continue Pinard. “They are games where we’re scoring early, we’re scoring late, and scoring often. This team is just amazing in the sense that they can just get it done.”
Ephs keeper Lauren Sinnenberg played her first full game of the season, recording 7 saves in 90 minutes of play.
The Ephs have posted a 42-0-1 regular season record since October 21, 2006. This is the third consecutive season in which women’s soccer has played without a loss, and the first regular season without a loss or tie since 2007.
Williams will host a first round game of the NESCAC tournament against Colby this Sunday at Cole Field at 12:00 p.m.
“We’re excited to get going again so soon, and catch our rhythm again,” said Pinard.
