Ephs' fall to nationally-ranked Skidmore 1-0
 |
The Ephs' had moments of success mingled with times of weakness reflecting their young roster more than their season opener. Even though Williams put forth a strong defensive effort against Skidmore’s potent offense, one moment of vulnerability was all Skidmore needed to clinch their third win of the season.
With no goals scored in the first period, the competition was a constant battle on both ends for possession. Thoroughbreds came out at the half with 11 shots, 6 of them being on goal, while Ephs' took just one shot and no penalty corners. Skidmore tallied 4 penalty corners in the period.
Play resumed at the half with more urgency on both ends culminating into a goal for the Thoroughbreds 44:38 into play by junior Christine Kemp (Putnam Valley, NY). Williams answered with an aggressive offense taking 4 more shots than totaled in the first, but came out scoreless at the final buzzer. Skidmore repeated their first half stats taking 11 shots, 6 of them on goal, and gaining 8 penalty corners to Williams 3.
Eph junior Katrina Tulla held her own against Skidmore’s persistent offensive attack playing the full 70 minutes and tallying 11 saves. Thoroughbred junior Liz Catinella (Sudbury) also played the entire game in goal and finished with no saves. Both Amy Siedlecki and Whitney Thayer put in significant defensive efforts contributing greatly to the Ephs' collective defensive effort.
“We succeeded in putting forth a strong defense in the face of a nationally ranked team with potent offense, but we played in spurts,” said Coach Alix Burrale, “We didn’t play with a sense of urgency soon enough.”
Ephs' will play at Keene State this Wednesday at 6 PM.
