Williams Edges Tufts in NESCAC Play With Fourth-Quarter Goal

WILLIAMSTOWN, MA (September 7, 2024) - Williams College junior Kiki Higgins scored early in the fourth quarter to give the eighth-ranked Ephs a 1-0 win over #6 Tufts University in a NESCAC field hockey game at Williamson Field today.

The Ephs (2-0, 1-0 NESCAC) withstood pressure from the Jumbos (1-1, 0-1) over the remainder of the fourth to record the victory. The hosts defended two penalty corner opportunities by the Jumbos, and then Williams first-year goalie Ellie Smith made a save on a Tufts penalty stroke with 4:19 remaining in regulation.

The first half had been a defensive stalemate. A strong shot by Higgins on a rush towards goal from the right side - saved by Jumbo junior goalie Lydia Eastburn - was the only shot on goal for the first 30 minutes.

Tufts earned an advantage in the third quarter, attempting six shots and taking two corners. The best opportunity came when senior Kylie Rosenquest deftly maneuvered through the Eph defense to go in and blast an open shot that Smith smothered.

The Ephs gained some momentum with offensive pressure early in the fourth, but Tufts' Eastburn continued to do well coming out to kick away opportunities before they became shots.

However, four minutes into the fourth, Williams sophomore Madeline Rowland broke up a Tufts pass around midfield. She sent the ball to Eph senior Linda Bibeau in the middle, who then threaded it through to Higgins who had a step on the defense. Higgins moved right to get around Eastburn, collected the ball for a shot and sent it past a defender blocking the goal line with 10:35 remaining in the fourth.

The Jumbos would earn consecutive corners around the seven-minute mark of the fourth, but had shots blocked and go wide. Then with under five minutes remaining, the Jumbos were awarded the stroke when junior Hannah Biccard was taken down on a rush to the goal. However, Smith lunged to her right to stop a low shot by senior Lainie Pearson keeping it a 1-0 game.

Tufts would have some pressure in the closing minutes, but Williams was able to kill time with long balls down the field to secure the win.

Shots finished 12-6 in favor of Tufts, though three each were on goal. The Jumbos had a 5-1 advantage on corners as well. Smith made three saves in the Eph cage, while Eastburn was credited with two for Tufts.

The Jumbos open their home schedule next Saturday against Colby College in conference play.