Williams defeats Springfield, 12-8 with a six goal streak late in the game
WILLIAMSTOWN, MA – Williams women’s lacrosse (6-6, 2-5 NESCAC) fend off Springfield’s (8-6) second half surge to win 12-8. This victory extends the Ephs winning streak to four games.
Springfield’s Jennifer Zubkus scored the first goal of the game at 27:34, but a minute later Williams senior Allison Murray put the Ephs on the board off a pass from senior Sarah Adkins. Springfield scored again less than a minute later before sophomore Whitney Thayer converted on a pass from junior Britt Spackman to start a five goal streak for the Ephs.
Sophomore Tina Nawrocki scored the next two followed by Spackman and senior Sara du Pont. The majority of the next ten minutes were played in the midfield until Springfield’s Sarah Dobson scored with 8:34 left on the clock to end the half 6-3 Ephs.
Springfield came out strong in the second half scoring five goals in the first 10 minutes to take the lead 8-6. However, Williams fought back, shutting down the Springfield offense for the rest of the game.
Murray scored two goals and sophomore Alice Nelson scored one to regain the lead for the Ephs. After Thayer converted a free position attempt, the Ephs maintained control of the ball in settled offense to run down the clock. Sophomore Tracey Ferriter scored at 5:38, and junior Julia Nawrocki took advantage of an empty net with 38 seconds left in the game.
Lauren McAulay blocked 11 shots for Springfield, while freshman keeper Julia Schreiber made 7 saves for Williams. Head coach Chris Mason commended Schreiber for coming up with some big saves at the end of the game and staying poised under pressure.
Mason was pleased with her team’s play: “I’m really excited about this win. Springfield was a very good team. Both teams were coming off of big games the day before, but we played very well together today to come up with the win.”
The Ephs next contest is at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23rd at NESCAC rival Connecticut College.
