Williams Tops Amherst, 2-0, for Little Three Title
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Only 10:22 into the first period, Eph sophomore Lucy Rollins (Rye, NY) had a point-blank finish guiding the ball past Amherst first-year goalie Emily Vitale after receiving a pass by sophomore Meera Sivalingam (Philadelphia, PA) breaking along the left goal line. Williams’ offense and defense combined to maintain the lead for the duration of the competition preventing the Lord Jeffs from converting their 7 penalty corners and 6 shots into goals. Williams finished out the period with 2 penalty corners and 3 shots.
Despite the lead, the Ephs’ weren’t lulled into complacency when the game resumed at the start of the second, but continued to compete aggressively to counter the Lord Jeffs’ increasing intensity. With 13:12 minutes remaining, Williams doubled their lead when a persistent Margie Fulton (Wellesley) finished in front of the net in traffic off a pass by senior captain Anne de Saint Phalle (Bronxville, NY). The Ephs kept Amherst on their heels shooting 9 shots to Amherst’s 3. Both teams ended the half with 3 penalty corner opportunities.
Coach Alix Barrale felt that her team put forth their best group effort of the year. “Things really came together for us, and we are beginning to reach that point where success is a collective undertaking.”
Throughout the game, de Saint Phalle put in a strong forward line consistently creating opportunities for Williams. Likewise, Fulton executed and was unrelenting in the circle against Amherst defenders. On the other end, Eph defense showed no weak points as Amherst attempted to penetrate and score. In conjunction with her teammates, Tulla proved to be an impermeable barrier for the Ephs.
Amherst first-year goalie Emily Vitale finished the 70 minute game with 8 saves and 2 goals allowed. Tulla also put in the full 70 minutes ending with 5 saves and no goals allowed.
Williams will face Trinity at home this Wednesday evening at 6:30PM.
